In our individualistic version of the Christian faith we have lost something of the sense of corporate responsibility we see demonstrated in the Israelite Faith.

“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites.” Joshua 7.1

Here the whole nation is held to account because one person had sinned. His sin…in taking that which God has asked the people to ‘set apart’ for Him….led to the death of 36 of his fellow Israelites. There is something in this.

When we live our Christian faith in isolation, not taking responsibility for our role in the community of faith, the whole Church suffers.