Watch your Influence

 Read 1 Kings 15. 

Abijam became king of Judah.  He was the great-grandson of David.  The scriptures are clear that Abijam continued the sinful practices of his father Rehoboam and "was not wholly true to the LORD his God" (v.3).  However, notice that God remained faithful to the promises He made to David. 

Next, Asa, David's great-great-grandson became king of Judah.  He was a good king and pleased the LORD in his life and in his leadership of the nation.  It required spiritual courage and boldness to cleanse the nation morally, even removing his own mother from her national position. 

Meanwhile in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings that followed Jeroboam aggressively maintained their evil ways.  

There is a huge reminder for all us here.  We never truly do not know how our decisions and actions directly affect those around us, particularly the generations within our own family.  Our personal spiritual commitments and our moral choices leave a legacy for others to remember us and follow.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "For none of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself." Romans 14:7 

Every interaction with others is a moment of influence.  May all who come behind us find us faithful.