No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites, except for some remaining in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. - Joshua 11:22
Quite possibly two of the most regrettable words in Israel's history, and life itself, are these, "except for."
In the recorded instance above, no Anakim (giants) were left in the land that Israel was to possess, except for some in three historically significant cities. Unfortunately, one of those cities (Gath) became the ancestral home of a certain giant that terrorized Israel many years later.
If only they had removed all of the giants.
Then again, it wasn't just giants that were left in the land. We also read in Israel's history of how they often removed pagan idols in their midst, except for the ones in the hill country. It was their consistent weakness to leave the task undone, and their consistent downfall as well.
The "except for's" can make a huge difference in life. Like cancers, some things in our lives must be completely eradicated or they may return and destroy us. These "things" are the enemies of Christ, detriments to our spiritual health and well-being, and we know they exist.
Eradicate them. No exceptions.
Sainthood lies in the habit of referring the smallest actions to God. - C. S. Lewis
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