This post is published as a companion to Unit 8, Session 2 of The Gospel Project for Adults Vol. 3 (Spring 2022): From Conquest to a Kingdom.

Scripture: Joshua 7

Because of Achan’s sin, the Lord’s anger burned against all of Israel and had them lose the battle against Ai. You might think, how is that even fair? It was one man’s sin and God brought consequences to the whole lot?

We are Representatives

In our individualistic society, sometimes we think one person shouldn’t represent a whole unit but whether we like it or not, that’s reality. Ambassadors represent their own country to another. Presidents are the symbol and speaking voice of their country. If you send someone to a business meeting with a vendor, that person represents your company. An athlete represents their team and even a sports team represents their university at a game.

All these people’s actions and words and lifestyle can be seen as representative of the entity they belong to. And many times, the whole pays the price for the one or few. In October of 2021, the University of Tennessee paid $250,000 in fines for the few attenders of the UT game who threw trash and bottles onto the field. Presidential mess-ups give the U.S. a bad reputation for its citizens and for those around the world. If you represent an entity, be sure that consequences will result for the whole as well as the individual.

Sin Affects the Whole

So as Christians, what does that mean for us? Sometimes we take too lightly the fact that we are a representative of the family of God and an ambassador for Christ. So our sin, whether major or minor, gossip or a lie here or there, pride or a complaining spirit, does leave a bad taste in the mouth of those listening and this leaves a negative view of you, your local church, or of Christians as a whole. When people judge you, they are also judging Christians. When they are hurt by you, they are associating that with hurt from all Christians. To some people, your sin is an example of sins all Christians make. Because of that, your group of Christian friends, your local church, all Christians, and the name of Christ can be disparaged by your one small act of sin.

We Reflect Christ

In one sense, that could be a heavy burden to bear. But sin is weighty. So avoiding sin should be a constant pursuit. And fortunately, we don’t do it alone. The Holy Spirit guides us and strengthens us and encourages us on our pursuit of holiness. And though our sinful actions can give Christians a bad name, in the same respect, our faithful actions, can elevate Christ’s reputation in the world as well. Our striving to avoid sin and pursue holiness lets the world know the grace and holiness of God. We get to explain to people why we need Christ in our sinfulness when we mess up and why Christ is our example for godliness. As we continue to reflect Christ in our life, more will want to trust in Him as well and continue in reflecting Christ to those around them.

So the next time you are tempted to sin, think about the repercussions, not just for you, but for those around you, for your church, for Christians everywhere. You can choose to be one that lifts up the body of Christ or one that tears it down. The world is watching, now more than ever. How are you representing Jesus Christ in your life?