Double take

Chapter 7 of the book of Joshua has taught me that a double take is what will get me into trouble.  The Bible doesn't specifically say that Achan did a "double take" but I really think he must have.  In Joshua 7:20-21 Achan admits to Joshua what he did.  Achan saw, took and hid exactly what he was not supposed to and it cost him his life. 

In direct defiance Achan took things that were to be devoted purely to the Lord.  It was a huge deal and I don't think Achan did it the first time he saw it.  I picture him walking by, glancing just once, turning around or perhaps even on another walk entirely, taking a double or triple take and giving into the temptation to covet those devoted things.  There was a bold, known line drawn firmly on the ground and after dancing near it, Achan crossed it.

Had he not dawdled near that line.  Had he not done a double take.  Lives would have been spared and the nation of Israel would not have suffered like it did.  Had his eyes been fixed on the Lord the second glance would not have tempted him into the sin.

It's the double take that sucks me in.  Whether it be a show I shouldn't be watching, a movie I shouldn't add to our que, food or drink I shouldn't consume, setting my alarm to wake early and glancing back at my bed with its warm sheets.  It's the double take.  I know right from wrong and I have my personal convictions, but when I glance back and begin to rationalize or make excuses the sin often wins. 

James 1:13-15 says it so well, "When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Without the double takes my walk would greatly be strengthened.