Last week, an article in the Christian counseling journal Pastoral Care caught my attention. It told the story of a faithful middle-aged Christian man in his fifties, and through it, I came to understand more deeply why, in the book of Joshua, God commanded that no enemy be spared during the conquest of Canaan.

The man was an executive at a company—respected and loved by those around him. He had two children in high school and college, and a beautiful wife who taught at a high school. In his church, he was a model believer: he volunteered faithfully, led the youth group, and was admired by many.

Then, one day, the entire congregation was shocked—this man was arrested for rape and sentenced to five years in prison. His peaceful, happy home was shattered overnight. Later it was revealed that he had a secret habit, one that even his wife never knew about—he was addicted to pornographic magazines.

It began innocently enough: he bought one or two magazines from a local store and viewed them privately. Before long, it became an addiction. One evening, as he sat in his car secretly looking through such a magazine, he saw a woman park next to him. Overcome by a sudden, uncontrollable impulse, he committed the crime. For years, he had kept his secret alone—but the spirit of darkness had already conquered his soul and body.

I sometimes receive anonymous calls from people seeking spiritual counseling. Often, they speak of the inner struggles of faith—either their own or those of their loved ones. One recurring issue is this: when a church leader secretly maintains a sinful habit, it becomes a source of deep pain to their spouse or family. At church, such people may pray earnestly, teach the Bible with great knowledge, and appear to be pillars of faith. Yet at home, they may be violent, drink, smoke, gamble, or speak harshly—continuing habits from their life before they knew Christ.

This kind of double life confuses and wounds their families, especially their children. Some even abandon their faith altogether. It is tragic how one thing a person refuses to give up can destroy their soul and wound those around them.

Many who cannot quit drinking or smoking often say, “Where in the Bible does it say not to drink or smoke? Didn’t Jesus drink wine?” But Scripture clearly says:

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

And it reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

In Joshua chapter 10, Joshua conquers the Amorites. When five Amorite kings hide in a cave, Joshua orders them to be brought out and commands his captains to place their feet on the kings’ necks—an ancient symbol of total victory. At first, such an act seems cruel and merciless. How could a servant of God do that?

Yet this story teaches us a deep spiritual truth. For those who follow Christ, there may still be one thing—just one—that we have not yet surrendered. It may be known only to one’s spouse or family—or perhaps to no one at all. But our conscience knows, and it resists with burning intensity.

The forces of darkness still seek to conquer our souls through that one thing we cannot let go. The conquest of Canaan is not a distant history—it continues within us today.