Was it worth it, Jehoshaphat?
Here’s a little lesson from the Bible that any number of churches, to say nothing of individual Christians, seem to have forgotten–if they ever knew it.
In 2 Chronicles, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, in all other respects a righteous man, gave military assistance to Ahab, king of Israel–a most unrighteous man. Ahab lost the battle and his life, and Jehoshaphat himself came near to being killed. Then he came home, and was met by a prophet, Jehu, who said to him:
“Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is on you.” –2 Chronicles 19:2 (NIV)
Slow to understand the lesson, Jehoshaphat went into business with Ahab’s successor, Ahaziah. Together they built a trading fleet–which God destroyed before it ever left port (2 Chronicles 20:37).
Personal righteousness does not include helping the ungodly to carry out their schemes. Nor should we seek their help in carrying out our own projects.
Need we say any more?