Who are your friends? Who are those closest to you? Do you have people who pour into you or leave you drained? What are your closest connections? I’ve heard it said, “If you want to know your future, look at those around you.” This saying highlights the importance and role of relationships. Our connections can either lead us toward something or away from it. They have the ability to encourage us for good or set us on a path of destruction.
The Story: 1 Kings 21
In 1 Kings 21, we meet King Ahab and Jezebel. They have a reputation for doing evil in the sight of God. On one occasion, they elevated their evil intentions and behavior. King Ahab went to Naboth’s vineyard and requested Naboth to sell his vineyard in exchange for another one. Naboth declined because the vineyard belonged to his family and he received the property as an inheritance. Unfortunately, Naboth’s response was unacceptable to the King.
King Ahab returned home dejected. He refused to eat or drink because he didn’t get what he wanted. Jezebel saw her husband pouting and inquired about the matter. King Ahab recounted the exchange between him and Naboth. Jezebel fueled Ahab’s resentment by reminding him that he was king and she would get Naboth’s vineyard for him.
Jezebel put her plan into motion. She recruited witnesses to lie about Naboth’s character and integrity toward God and the king. During the trial, Naboth was declared guilty and stoned to death. Jezebel joyously advised King Ahab that he was the new owner of Naboth’s vineyard. The king didn’t question her about how ownership changed hands. Although he knew Naboth was dead, his only concern was his new vineyard.
While surveying the new property, Ahab had a visitor. God sent Elijah to him with a stern message regarding the deplorable treatment of Naboth. The message from Elijah finally snapped Ahab out of his thieving mindset and he repented. Despite his act of repentance, the verdict remained with him and Jezebel being declared guilty by God; however, King Ahab’s sentence was passed to his sons.
The Lesson
Unfortunately, King Ahab had an ungodly connection to his wife, Jezebel, as she was a horrible influence. When the king had a pity party over someone else’s property, she encouraged him to stay in a place of lust. She also elevated the matter by ensuring he obtained the thing he wanted.
The interaction between Ahab and Jezebel is a reminder to check our connections. Regardless of the type of relationship, an assessment is essential. Whether we know it or not, people influence us either consciously or subconsciously. Let’s take a page from King Ahab and Jezebel and see what we find.
- 1. What are our connections saying?
- Godly connections are those who encourage and support us in doing the right things. They don’t advocate for our desires at the expense of others. Cheerleaders let us know that we’re not alone and help us up from our pity party. Keep these relationships close and cherish them for they may be few.
- Ungodly connections smile in our faces and talk behind our backs. They support our low place, revel in our demise, and seek to enhance our destructive behaviors. Leave them now for these connections may take you to a place where you can’t escape.
- 2. What are our connections doing?
- We can all use a ride-or-die partner, one that’s with us till the end. Together, we can accomplish more. BUT! We don’t need people to support or exacerbate our foolish behaviors. Unlike Jezebel, we need people, who will call out bad behavior and push us to greatness.
When connections come together, our lives become math problems. Are they subtracting and dividing? We are no good to God and others when our connections bring out the worst in us. Ultimately, we will end up down and destroyed. Simply ask King Ahab and Jezel.
However, we welcome addition and multiplication. Together we grow and develop. We conquer obstacles and become the best version of ourselves.
Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash
