“And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: “Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen’s behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.’ This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king’s officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath.”
Esther 1:16-18
In response to King Ahasuerus’ inquiry on what to do to Vashti for disobeying him, one of the king’s men, Memucan, pointed out that Vashti’s action was very grave and could lead to greater damage in the entire kingdom. Since she was the queen and first lady, Vashti was obviously considered the leader of the women in the kingdom. Accordingly, it was perceived that her disobedience to the king could have far-reaching consequences that would cause other women in the kingdom to despise their husbands and disobey them. In the words of Memucan, “the queen’s behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.’”
This was an interesting assessment and, although we may not think anything of it, it is important to understand that the things we do may sometimes have far-reaching consequences that we did not anticipate at the time of our actions. This is especially true of parents who, whether they like it or not, are being watched by their children. As parents and leaders, we must always be good examples for our children, as well as others around us, to follow.
I am reminded of the story of a young man who was sentenced to jail for stealing. After being sentenced, he asked to speak to his mom and when she brought her head closer to him so he could whisper to her, he bit her ear so severely that she bled. When asked why he bit her ear, he said he was angry with his mom for all the times he had brought home stolen goods without her reprimanding him, and for all the times he had seen her bring things home that he knew they could not afford, making him think it was right to do the same.
This was a case of “like mother like son” and a disgrace to the mom. However, we can prevent shame in our lives and those who are under our authority by consistently living exemplary lives.
As we live our daily lives, we must consider our every action and the effect it could have on those close to us and on posterity. May we be good examples of the believer in all that we do (1 Timothy 4:12). Amen.
Prayer Point
Lord, as I go about my daily business, let me be a good example of what a Christian should be.