2 Chronicles Chapter 24: Verse 2 (NLT)
Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.
2 Chronicles 24: Verses 17-18 (NLT)
But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice. They decided to abandon the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they worshiped Asherah poles and idols instead! Because of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem.
We exert an influence on other people, sometimes positively sometimes not, but also sometimes deliberately, whilst occasionally without even realising it. That’s why the way we conduct ourselves is so important. King Joash followed the Lord, as long as the priest, Johoiada, who had taken him under his wing, was still alive. However, after Johoiada died, Joash was persuaded to abandon his beliefs by so-called advisers who were looking out for their own interests.
We should never underestimate the impact that the way we live our lives has on others, so we need to make sure that it’s a positive one, reflecting the goodness and grace that God has shown to us. We can’t always guarantee that our influence will continue in our absence; people make their own decisions and choices, but at least we will have planted a seed which we can let God take care of.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be careful to be a good ambassador for You, reflecting the goodness and mercy that You have shown to me, but also trusting that You will do Your own work in lives who cross my path, and reap Your harvest at the right time. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.