Photo Credit – Bing Images

Getting what we want in the wrong way is short term and history tells us that there is usually a negative boomerang effect. On the other hand, following the principles of God are productive and efficient.

In the events recorded in Judges 9, the unkind and selfish motives are demonstrated repeatedly. After Gideon’s death, his son named Abimelek convinced his brothers and the people that it would be best to have one leader and that he would be the best leader for them. He also reminded them that he was their flesh and blood.

Once given power, he killed his 70 brothers. Only the youngest brother name Jotham was able to escape. He ruled over Israel for just a short time and these three years were full of trouble as new leaders began to challenge Abimelek’s authority. There was insurrection but Abimelech was warned each time so that actions could be taken to control the rebellion.

Unfortunately, Abimelek wanted revenge against those who were revolting against him so he turned on the city that had given him power in the first place. As the city was about to totally be destroyed, a woman threw down a stone that crushed his skull. Rather than being killed by a woman, Abimelek had his armor-bearer finish him off with his sword (vv. 53-54).

There are consequences for unkind and selfish desires so we constantly need to ask ourselves if we are following the principles of God’s Word or if we have our own ambitions that go against the ways of God. Respecting others and living a life of kindness toward others is never wasted. It will wear well for a legacy that will be remembered in a positive way.

This day with You Lord, we pray for understanding the Way as we follow Your Word. As we learned from today’s passage, getting what we want in life in the wrong way is short term and usually backfires to cause harm in the long term. We seek to help out our neighbors with kindness so the world is a better place. Amen.