I was shown that the manner of Achan’s confession was similar to the confessions that some among us have made and will make. They hide their wrongs and refuse to make a voluntary confession until God searches them out, and then they acknowledge their sins. A few persons pass on in a course of wrong until they become hardened. They may even know that the church is burdened, as Achan knew that Israel were made weak before their enemies because of his guilt. Yet their consciences do not condemn them. They will not relieve the church by humbling their proud, rebellious hearts before God and putting away their wrongs. God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions. {3T 270.2}

Jeg fik vist at Akans måde at bekende sig på var ligesom de bekendelser som nogle af os gør og vil gøre. De skjuler deres fejl og nægter at bekende sig frivilligt, før Gud peger på dem og så først efter vil de indrømme deres synder. Nogle få personer forfølger en forkert kurs indtil de er blevet forhærdede. De kan endda være klar over at menigheden er bebyrdet ved det, ligesom Akan vidste at Israel blev svag over for deres fjender på grund af hans skyld. Alligevel fordømte deres samvittighed dem ikke. De vil ikke hjælpe menigheden ved at ydmyge deres stolte oprørske hjerte for Gud og lægge deres fejl væk. Guds mishag er over sig folk og han vil ikke vise sin kraft i deres midte medens der er synder iblandt dem og er opfostret af dem i ansvarsbetyngede stillinger.