At Scout camp a few weeks ago, several items came up missing. "It must have been so-and-so." "No, I don't think he would have taken them, but that other guy might have." "Why would anyone here do that?" "Does he think he can get away with it?" And on and on throughout the week. Fear and distrust grew. At one point, we group-searched each other's tents to find the truth. I was reminded of Joshua 7 where we read about Achan's taking things from the spoils of Jericho and hiding them in his tent.

When Achan took of the spoils, he stole what belonged to God. When no one came forward to admit to the theft, Moses had the people pass before him to determine who was guilty. When Achan was selected, they searched his tent, and his sin was exposed. I imagine that, while this was occurring, the Israelites had similar camp discussions. "Who could do such a thing?" "Does he really think he can get away with it?" "Why would anyone do this?" Fear and distrust grew. God didn't let them have victory over Ai. There was no peace.

Think of us today. What "treasures" that God said we aren't to have, are hidden in our tents? We compound our sins when we try to cover them. Do you, like Achan, think God cannot see? When we choose a little earthly treasure over service to God, it keeps us from pulling together, growing, and sharing in the victories God is waiting to give us...If we'd only be willing to give up what we have hidden in our tents.

"...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." {Hebrews 12:1}

Mark touches on a fundamental point of truth. Nothing can be hidden from God. Man cannot run or hide anything from the Almighty. "And there is no creature hideen from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." {Hebrews 4:13} Dear reader, if God were to search your "tent" what would He find? Could it be things which we have hidden from others? --KG