1 Kings 16:34 - Winning in the world, failing at home

Scripture:

1 Kings 16:34
34 In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
NASU


Thoughts:

We can become so focused on achievement, that we don't see or don't care how it affects our family and relationships.  Hiel disregards the warning given by Joshua, and it costs him 2 of his own sons, exactly as Joshua prophesied roughly 500 years before:

Joshua 6:26
26 Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."
NASU

Hiel was building a city for himself, but destroying his own family.  He was seeking to perhaps make a name for himself, but did so in disobedience to God.


Prayer:

Lord, it is so easy to get focused on achievement at work, at home, even in ministry, to the detriment of my relationship with You and those near to me.  To be worried about trophies that will die with me, rather than true treasure.

Help me to stay focused on loving You and others, starting with those closest to me.  Grant me the wisdom and restraint to stay out of the various rat races of life.  Keep me focused on that which lasts for eternity.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.