As If It Had Been a Light Thing

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Scripture

1Kings 16:31   And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he took as his wife Jezebel daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped him. 

Observation

Ahab found it easy to do evil, as if he didn’t really think about it. He shirked off his responsibility and simply walked in the ways of those who had done evil before him. Then, again without thought he married Jezebel, a woman whose name is synonymous with the worst of all evil. Finally, without considering the consequences to his people he went and served and worshiped Baal. All, “as if it had been a light thing.”

Application

Unfortunately there aren’t very many “light” things in life. There are consequences to the decisions we make in life, and especially those regarding the choice between good and evil. To think that it is a light choice to follow and walk in the sins of someone who has gone before is simply foolish. To not take time to consider the choice of a spouse and its resultant effect on our lives is also folly. To worship a foreign god when you are charged to lead your people in worship of Yahweh is stupid!

It all happened because to Ahab, “it had been a light thing.”

The secularization of the world has resulted in a “light” attitude regarding religion and a personal relationship with God. This “light” attitude has led to a spiritual coma in which we have come to believe that there are no consequences to our decisions and actions. Or, at least no sense of personal responsibility, as everyone can do as they choose.

Living our lives as it “it had been a light thing” means that we will not make thoughtful decisions and we will have to live with the consequences. Ahab’s decisions affected those whom he was to be leading and resulted in a dangerous situation for a multitude of people.

Nothing is “a light thing.” God’s followers are challenged to take life and our decisions seriously. The consequences are eternal and the reach broader than we could ever imagine.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to take seriously your leading. Amen.

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