PODCAST

Our Bad Choices Affect Others

September 12th, 2023

2 Chronicles 28:12-21

King Ahaz’s poor choices and rebellion led him down a slippery slope and now it’s affecting others. Men returning from war came back with material and human spoils. A wise group stopped them, not wanting to add to their sin and guilt (vv. 12-13). Thankfully they used their plunder to care for those in need.

Unfortunately, their repentant actions had no noticeable effect on King Ahaz. His rebellion continued to cause trouble for all of Judah. Did the pain and hardship his decisions brought on others ever cause him to take notice? Scripture doesn’t tell us, but it does say that “in his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord” (v. 22).

Take a moment to consider your own blind spot. Is there an attitude or behavior in your life that seems justifiable because it’s not affecting anyone else? How do you indulge yourself when no one else is looking? Our bad choices—both mine and yours—have consequences. They may be subtle or significant, continuing for generations.

Author: Evan T. Offutt Boesiger