Parental Influence
Daily Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 21-22; 2 Chronicles 18-19
Daily Focus Passage: 1 Kings 22
Ahaziah began to rule over the Northern Kingdom of Israel following his father's death, King Ahab. The Bible states how he continued to rule in a manner that the Lord saw as evil. This statement reveals the character, motivation, and actions of King Ahaziah. The Bible explains that he chooses to walk in the ways of his parents instead of in the Lord's ways. When we consider this statement, we must seek to live in a manner that provides parental influence that mirrors the ways of the Lord.
YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS ARE WATCHING
Ahaziah observed the ways of his parents, Ahab and Jezebel. Both of these parents lived in ways counter to the Lord's ways. They sought to live for the self and to achieve all they desired. They lived plagued by idolatry and under the influence of the culture. Ahab and Jezebel lived an example of unrighteousness and disobedience to the Lord before their children. This influence included their son Ahaziah. Like Ahab and Jezebel, our kids and grandkids are watching our example. They follow our example and often repeat many of the issues we combat.
YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS WILL FOLLOW YOUR STEPS
Ahaziah followed the steps of his parents. As Ahab and Jezebel put footprints before Ahaziah, he attempted to follow their steps and stay in line with their example. He looked to his parents as heroes and wanted to be just like them. We know that he became just like them, as the Bible indicates he followed their ways and not the ways of the Lord. When we recognize that our kids and grandkids will follow in our steps, it should change how we look at life and our approach to our lifestyle.
WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LIVING FOR YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS
We must learn to live in a manner that follows the Lord obediently and sets an example for those behind us. We must seek to live out a model for our kids and grandkids to follow. When they watch our lives, do they see examples of living by faith or a standard of living in the world? We must grasp the reality that we leave a legacy that extends into the lives of those we influence, including our kids and grandkids.
We must seek to model Christ in our lives and provide an example for the generations that follow. We must know that we significantly influence the next generation and that they are watching us closely. They hear our words, see our actions, and thus live under our influence. Considering this great responsibility, how can you commit more to significantly influencing the next generation?
