And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.
— 2 Chronicles 21:6
JEHOSHAPHAT was a good king and led the people to serve the Lord. But his son, Jehoram, was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. How could such a godly man have such a wicked son?
Though Jehoshaphat was a godly man, he had a curious fascination with evil. That curiosity drew him north again and again until eventually he aligned with King Ahab. Although Jehoshaphat himself did not become personally involved with the wicked practices of King Ahab, he made the mistake of exposing his son to those practices. And Jehoram, who did not have a strong commitment to God, fell to that wickedness.
MANY PROFESSING CHRISTIANS TODAY SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME CURIOUS FACINATION WITH EVIL.
Though they would never think to do those things themselves, they love to read about others doing evil and watch others doing evil in movies and on television. The rationale seems to be, “It doesn’t hurt to just watch.”
You may argue that your watching the filth of the world doesn’t affect your relationship with God. I doubt that. But think about this: What effect is it having upon your children?
When I stand before God I want to stand there in the holiness, purity, and righteousness of Jesus Christ. And I want my children to be standing there with me, complete in Him.
God, let our lives be the light of this world as we reflect Your holiness, Your beauty, Your grace, and Your love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.