3 April | Teens
«But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: »1 Kings 14: 9
Jeroboam was a king who started out with everything to be a great leader of Israel, but ended up making some choices that did not please God at all. God was not at all pleased with him because Jeroboam had led the people of Israel to worship idols, completely forgetting God's commandments. So God sent a prophet with a very serious message for him. The message said that, because of his bad choices, very bad things would happen to his family and his kingdom.
It reminds us that our choices not only affect ourselves, but they can also influence those around us, for better or for worse. Sometimes we may think we know what's best for us, but God always has a bigger picture. He wants us to live in a way that brings true happiness, not only to ourselves but also to others.
When we choose to go our own way, ignoring God's commandments, we can end up turning people away from Him without even realizing it, just as Jeroboam did. As Christians, it is important to reflect on how our actions and words influence those around us. Are we setting a good example and helping to bring people closer to God, or are we doing the opposite?
Take Action
Try fasting from something that you perceive to be taking you away from God. It can be a habit, a behavior, or even the excessive use of social networks or electronic devices. Use this time to pray more and read the Bible, seeking ways to be a positive influence in the lives of those around you.