II Chronicles 28:23 For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. 

King Ahaz saw that the gods of Syria had helped his enemy, the king of Syria. Demons have power. They do seem to answer prayers occasionally. But God’s men should know much better than going to the world or a false god for anything.

Ahaz becomes a very pragmatic person. He thinks it might work for me if it works for them. God’s people are not allowed that luxury. He went to sacrifice to the false gods. He betrayed the one and only true God. 

While he sought success, he found ruin. He wanted a blessing. He thought he could walk away from God and get something from the world and demons. 

How often do we try our methods and ignore Him and His Word? The one true God wants to be worshipped. Quit going to the world to solve your problems. Get in the Word and seek the Lord!

Pragmatism, looking for practicality and utility, can be very dangerous. Consider this story. Ahaz has a goal in mind and thinks there might be a way to achieve his goal but doesn’t consider that it will not please God. He forgets God and seeks his goal. What he thought would bless him turned out to be his ruin.

Ahaz focused on the short-term, immediate result rather than thinking of the long-term consequences. He sacrificed the future on the altar of the present. He forgot his purpose and brought destruction to his people. 

He forgot to look to God or see what God was doing in the future. Ahaz wanted to know what he could accomplish immediately. He took the shortcut, the easy way out, and paid for it. 

In his fear, he chose to save himself instead of risking himself. He was afraid to step out in faith, believing God, and he and his people will now pay the price of his compromise.

Can you think about the long term? What you are doing today may seem brilliant, but what are the repercussions? Keep your eyes on God; let him direct you and guide your paths. 

The short time gain, protecting yourself, avoiding risk, and getting a win isn’t worth it in the long run unless it is God’s will.