Family Talk 3/29/2020
Bad Influences
Scripture Readings:
1 Corinthians 15:33ESV
33Do not be deceived:“Bad company ruins good morals.”
2 Samuel 10:1-8ESV
After this, the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place.2And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites.3But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?”4So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away.5When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”6When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians ofBeth-rehob, andthe Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king ofMaacah with 1,000 men, and the men ofTob, 12,000 men.7And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host ofthe mighty men.8And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, andthe Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob andthe men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.
Story Questions:
1.Why did David send men to Ammon?
2.What advice did Hanun’s friends give him?
3.What did Hanun do?
4.What was the result of Hanun’s actions?
5.Can you think of other stories where bad influence causes problems?
Reflection Questions:
1.Describe a time when you were negatively influenced? What was the outcome?
2.What are some things that influence us?
3.Is influence always noticeable?
4.What are some things we should do with negative influences?
5.What things can we do to counter and replace negative influences?