Here is today’s Bible reading: Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3.

Joshua 7:24-26 (NIV)
Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. [25] Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”
Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. [26] Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

They stoned Achan and his family and then burned them.  Why?  Because Achan disobeyed God and took some plunder.  Why such harsh consequences?  I believe the story is meant to illustrate the communal nature of our faith.  My sin impacts you and vice versa.  We are a family.  We must not treat sin casually, but recognize that it is rebellion against the God who created us and sustains us.  There are no little sins.  All sin separates us from God.  We terribly underestimate our sinfulness and God’s grace.  May we take sin as seriously as God does.