12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12
My choices, even the small ones, affect the people around me for good or harm.
Bathsheba made a choice to commit adultery with David with devastating consequences: for her former husband, for Israel’s commanding general, for the child who did not live. Her choices affected so many around her, whether she meant them to or not.
Abigail made a choice to humble herself and provide hospitality for David’s men. Her choice brought life to the many servants and workers in her home, as well as wisdom and blessing to David and the men he led. She later gained a more Godly man as husband when Nabal, her foolish husband, died.
No matter who we are, our choices ripple outwards, affecting those surrounding us.
Our choices affect our families especially. To choose self-indulgence or bitterness, laziness or gossip, anger or deception affects more than just my own life. Little eyes and ears absorb my example and stray words. My husband, my friends, my neighbors and coworkers live with the consequences of my tone and words and actions.
But the same can be true positively.
Small sacrifices and deep breaths, patient endurance and servant hearted tasks, thoughtfulness and love teach more than scoldings or lectures ever could.
So today, will my choices bring good or harm to those around me?
Wattsup With Kids 