2 Chronicles 26:1-8 “Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it … His mother’s name was Jekoliah … He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success … and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.”
Uzziah was a good, Godly king during much of his reign. Like his father, he did not end well. Prosperity and success do that to many people. However, in the days of his spiritual health, Uzziah expanded the land and the influence of Judah all the way down to the Gulf of Aqaba and the border of Egypt which quite an accomplishment.
Principle: Godly influence from fathers and friends benefits many people and often produces success.
The concepts of diligence, good attitude and skills are taught and demonstrated by parents to children. It is demanding work to train a child, but it works. It requires planning and persistence. That hard work ultimately benefits you, them, society, and the kingdom of God.
Dan Cathy is chairman of one of the nation’s largest family-owned businesses, Chick-fil-A. Dan is the next generation of leadership for the quick-service chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy. Dan worked his way up in the company and is dedicated to the long-held principles and traditions of the company. There is a strong emphasis on excellence in customer service and running the company by Godly principles. By the way, Dan’s son seems to be headed for management in Chick-fil-A.
Discussion:
1. Have you asked your offspring if they want to run the family business?
2. If you were raised by Godly parents, what affect did their investment have on you?
3. How much effort are you willing to invest in raising your own kids in the ways of the Lord? No one else can do that for you. Start today!
