Today’s Reading, 1 Kings 15-17
Focal Scripture: 1 Kings 15:3 “Abijam walked in all the sins his father before him had committed, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God as his ancestor David had been.”
We all make choices in life in who we are going to follow. Yes, we are influenced by others but ultimately the decision to do right or wrong rests with us as individuals. However, evil can be learned and evil can be watched from others. I have seen many people commit evil acts all because they watched a parent or loved one commit the same act. Evil was not just observed it was encouraged.
In today’s reading we see this truth happen with Abijam. The Bible tells us that he walked in all the sins of his father. He was not devoted to the Lord. I want to make clear here that I am not giving Abijam a way out or an excuse. I am simply pointing out that his father showed him the way. He copied what he witnessed. He followed in the footsteps of a person he loved.
This should serve as a sobering reminder that people watch how we live. Especially our children. Yes, God will hold them personally responsible for their sins and actions. However, make no doubt that we will be held accountable for what we teach our children. Our lifestyle and demeanor has to be consistent with what we say and how we live.
For instance, you can’t say you publicly love people and love God and gossip about others. I pick this example because it is one of the allowed sins in Christianity. In one hand people will act concerned and loving but will turn around and talk about the person behind their back. This habit was learned. It was learned from parents or leaders who don’t lift others up in prayer but instead tear them down.
If you know a gossip rest assured it begins at home. As believers we must be different. We must walk in the ways of the Lord. Instead of gossip we need to build others up. Instead of demonstrating sin we need to call it out. Our children and the people who watch our lives deserve better. We must be a people that that glorifies Christ in all we do, especially in front of our children.
If our loved ones decide to do evil it should be said of us that it was not from watching how we live. Ask your children if they are learning anything that is contrary to scripture from you today. If so it is time to fix it before it takes over in their life.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Kings 18-20
