There Are Two Kinds of People

And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” 1 Kings 21:7

Today’s passage tells a story that prompts two very different visions of a king. In the story, Ahab, the king of Israel, coveted a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth. King Ahab went to Naboth and made an offer to purchase it. The vineyard had been in Naboth’s family for generations though and so, according to Jewish law, Naboth had every right to refuse the sale, which he did. King Ahab went away, sullen and pouting. His wife Jezebel, however, was indignant. She felt that as the king, Ahab should be able to take whatever he wanted.

So here are the two different visions of a king. The first king is subject to the laws of those he governs, living to serve the people over which he rules. The second kind of king serves himself and sees his power as a tool to get whatever he wants. King Ahab was the worst kind of king.

This isn’t just about ancient Jewish kings though. This is about what kind of people we are. Like the two different kinds of kings, there are two different kinds of people. The first man (or woman) subjects himself to God’s laws and sees that his life mission is to serve those around him. The second kind of person serves himself and uses whatever power he has to get what he wants.

So, what kind of person am I? Do I live for God’s will, serving those around me? Or do I live for myself, seeking my will above all? I’d love to be able to say I used to be the selfish person but now I’m the selfless godly one. Unfortunately, on any given day, I can be one, or I can be the other, or I can be both. There are two kinds of people and daily, I must decide which one I’m going to be. If I don’t make the right choice – which is the harder choice by the way – I’ve already made the wrong choice. I’ve seen however, where the selfish me ends up. So today, I must do what it takes to point my life at God’s will, loving him and serving those around me. There are two kinds of people and daily, I must decide which one I’m going to be.