Proverbs Chapter 21: Verse 2 (NIV)
A person may think their own ways are right,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
2 Chronicles Chapter 22: Verses 2-4 (NIV)
Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri.
He too followed the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him to act wickedly. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father’s death they became his advisers, to his undoing.
Both of these readings grabbed my attention today, and I think they are linked. Ahaziah was a young man when he became king, and sadly he didn’t get the right advice or encouragement from his mother. We also see the consequences of his father making an alliance with the house of Ahab, because after his father’s death, they became his advisers, which we read led to his undoing.
Assuming the alliance by marriage was through Athaliah, we can wonder at her behaviour. Was she doing it to make sure her son was powerful, and that she was able to live in a manner to which she was accustomed. Did she really think she had his best interests at heart, or was she really looking out for herself alone. As the records show in subsequent verses, I feel she was only interested in furthering her own interests. As the proverb says, God knew her heart. Likewise, those who gave the new king counsel were probably not interested in supporting him either.
We need to make sure that when we make any decisions, even if they seem like a good idea, that our motives are right. Do we have God’s blessing on the matter, or are we doing things under our own steam? God knows what our motives are. When we take someone under our wing, we also need to make sure we are giving them the right support and encouragement. They need to do what is right for them, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that they follow the path we think they should. Its their road to walk, not ours. The most important thing we should be doing is encouraging them to take the path God has for them, and to seek His counsel for themselves. We need to be very careful of the example we set. I don’t want my attitude or behaviour to be the reason someone turns away from God. I want to be the one who encourages them to find Him.
Dear Lord,
Today’s readings show me once again how it is important as a Christian to make sure I follow the example of Jesus and represent Him properly in the way that I behave. Our actions and behaviour will always have an impact on others, even when we don’t think they will. May my actions always reflect my desire to be a good ambassador for You. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.