So about 3,000 men went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. - Joshua 7:4
Immediately after the Israelites defeated Jericho, they moved on to attack the small village of Ai. They deduced that they would only need a small army to accomplish the task due to the insignificant force they would be facing. This made good sense; however, in all their preparation the Israelites missed something. God's chosen people failed to detect the transgression in their midst and learned the hard way that even a little sin "within" is more powerful than a multitude of enemies "without."
One man, in one family, in one clan, in one tribe of Israel had the power to bring defeat to an entire army. A strongly fortified city like Jericho could not stand against a holy nation, but a tiny village like Ai had no problem defeating an impure one.
Before a person, church, or organization attempts any enterprise for God, the greatest preparation they should make is in the area of holiness. While the major flaws might grab one's attention and easily be addressed, a minor weakness or fissure will often pass undetected until it is magnified by an enemy hell-bent on destruction.
Be diligent. For God will not honor anyone or anything that does not first take great care in honoring Him.
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness. - Matthew Henry
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