Urged On

Focus: “There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife” (1 Kings 21:25).

I was intrigued by how quickly the conversation went downhill. Enjoying a fun dinner with friends, someone shared a story that was a little off-color. Without sounding prudish, the nervous glances around the table confirmed that we all felt that a line had been crossed. But within minutes, caution was thrown to the wind, and people were telling jokes and using words that were uncommon in our group. I wondered, what just happened? It all began by someone giving permission, and their action urged others to jump in and join in too. 

We can all live permissively, or provocatively, offering those around us a license to sin, or we can live beautifully and so encouraging goodness. 

We create a culture around us by our own behavior, good or bad. To put it somewhat bluntly in Bible terms, either we can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” or we can act like Jezebel, who “urged” her husband toward evil. 

Today, I’d like to be a positive example. How about you?

Pray: May I be an influence for You in purity, in goodness, in love this day, loving Father. Amen.