How do the consequences of sin affect the church community?

The narrative of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates how an individual's sin can adversely affect the entire congregation. The Lord explicitly stated that Israel could not stand before their enemies because of Achan's transgression, and his hidden sin amplified the collective guilt and consequences for the community. This example serves as a reminder that we bear a shared responsibility in the body of Christ; our actions can have cascading effects beyond ourselves, which underscores the importance of communal holiness and accountability within the church.