Personal Decisions Affect Everyone

Daniel 6:19-27 & Joshua 7

The story of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den is a great example of how our decisions affect those around us. Read Daniel 6. What happened to the men that accused Daniel in verses 19 through 27? Why? What happened to their families? Did it mention in those verses anything that the wife and children did wrong? Who decided to throw all of them in the lion's den in the first place?
By answering these questions, I hope we can all see how much our choices affect our families and others around us. King Darius signed a decree out of pride, and the men tried to trap Daniel out of jealousy, but not only King Darius and the jealous men were affected. Innocent people were thrown to the lions because of selfish and ignorant decisions.
In Joshua chapter 7, we also see the powerful effect of personal decisions. Achan took plunder from a city that the Lord allowed the army to conquer, but God had told them not to touch anything. Achan coveted the things he saw, and acted. Because of his sinful choice, the Lord's hand of protection was lifted from Israel's army. They were defeated in battle the next day, just because of the sin that was present among the people. When Joshua cried out to the Lord in panic, God told him to get up and consecrate the people. Achan was killed, along with his family and livestock. His decision affected the people of Israel and his family.
As a wife, every decision I make affects my husband. As a mother, every decision I make affects my children. As a missionary, every decision I make affects the ministry that God has entrusted to us as a family. The list could go on and on, but the fact is when I make sinful decisions, I am not the only one that suffers for the sins I commit. But when I obey God, praise Him, I am not the only one who will reap the blessings. All of those around me are blessed as well, and God’s kingdom is spread.

God, teach us today that every decision we make affect those around us. Show us how to live our lives in obedience to Your Word so our families, friends, co-workers, and even strangers will be blessed for Your glory.