Ahab, pushed by his wife Jezebel and in open defiance of God, set an alltime record in making big business of evil. 1 Kings 21:25 (MSG)

Our lives are influenced by those with whom we surround ourselves, and few people, if any, influence our lives as much as the person we marry. Jezebel gets a bad rap, and deservedly so. Yet, Ahab's weakness created a black hole which Jezebel filled with her own brand of evil. Had Ahab cultivated a heart for God and developed character qualities of selflessness, righteousness and strength, the story may have been quite different.

Every marriage is a perpetually reciprocal affair in which man and woman influence and affect one other. Both partners bear responsibility for the motives, thoughts, words and actions which affect themselves, their partner, and the whole of the relationship. Ahab and Jezebel each bore responsibility for the evil that eminated out of their reign and relationship.

God, help me cultivate a heart for you and to bear the fruit of the Spirit in my own life, so that my wife, my marriage, my family, my children, my friends and my community will be nourished, refreshed, and strengthened.