Whenever I think of an alliance, I cannot help but remember the episode of The Office. Dwight Schrute decides to form an alliance with Jim Halpert to combat the threats of downsizing. Eventually, Pam Beesly becomes involved in this alliance, which turns out to be just another Jim Halpert prank. This episode of the Office is hilarious, especially the scene in the warehouse with Dwight stuck in the box attempting to listen for secret information being shared about the downsizing.
Typically, alliances can be very fruitful. We join together with people and great things can result from our combined ambitions, skills, and efforts toward a shared goal. In one way or another, we are part of alliances. Bible study groups are basically alliances formed between people joined together to dig deeper into God’s Word. Businesses form alliances like a phone company being aligned with Apple or Netflix. Countries join together to form alliances for common interests.
Today’s verse speaks of a dangerous alliances. Not all alliances are good. Remember, 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us that “bad company corrupts good character.” This is why God warned the Israelites not to intermarry. He knew that if those who followed God married those who did not worship God, that the Israelites would be drawn away. The Israelites would worship other gods. God’s warning was for good reason. Again and again, we read in the Bible of the Israelites intermarrying and being drawn away. Even the wise Solomon formed bad alliances and was led astray.
When you make a bad alliance, when you join together with those who are against God and His will, you will find trouble is a few steps away. As we read in today’s verse, we too can end up “piling sin on top of sin.” At first, you may think an alliance won’t change you. However, little by little there is compromise. These compromises add up and one day we find ourselves piling sin on top of sin.
Be careful with your relationships. Seek out friends, partners, mentors, business partners, etc. who will point you to Jesus. These good alliances will encourage you, hold you accountable, refresh you, and embrace you. These good alliances will build you up and God will use these relationships to grow you to be who He created you to be in Christ Jesus.
“Woe to the rebellious children! This is the LORD’s declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin.” – Isaiah 30:1 (CSB).
Tania Gutekunst 