2 Kings 8:18-19 is primarily about influences and their effect on lives. The Bible says of Jehoram, And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the houseof Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. . . . Can you imagine a worse family to marry into? Ahab and Jezebel were his father-in-law and mother-in-law! That was one influence.
Verse 19 gives us another influence. God was gracious in the absolute mess that Jehoram made because of His promise in light of David*s influence. The truth is, the power of influence in your life today will influence others tomorrow. Your life today will influence outcomes tomorrow.
Take a moment to consider all of the influences that have converged in your life. Your family, education, church, and friends all come together to make you who you are. Some people are hard to figure out because of the wide range of influences in their lives! The decisions you make today will make up your character. Your character will make up your life. Your life will make up your legacy. Your legacy will make up the influence that you have.
No one will have more influence than you in your home, either on purpose or by default. Parents, you have a daily influence on your kids* habits, beliefs, and behavior. Kids are always picking up things, whether good or bad!
There are two sources of influence in your life today: marriage and heritage. Who you marry is important, and the influence that others have passed on to you is important. Your life will influence many people, and the quality of that influence will be determined by the decisions you make today.