BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 21-24

"Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoida the priest."  2 Chronicles 24:2 NLT

Joash, the young king, was blessed to have a godly man to mentor, guide and befriend him.  This friend helped Joash choose wisely, rule wisely and live wisely.  Jehoida's influence helped Joash be known, for most of his life, as a wise and godly king.

Then, Jehoida died.

Joash  was immediately besieged by the enemy--in the form of ungodly leaders attempting to bend Joash's ear and character.

Joash fell to unfathomable lows.  Murder.  Deceit.  Sacrilege. 

To me the account of Joash is an attention grabber.  I have had the awesome privilege of being raised in a godly home by godly people who had godly parents.  I am blessed to worship in a church led by a man who preaches and lives God's Word.

And if all my godly influences were gone?  Would I stand strong?  Would I continue in the faith of my fathers?  Would my relationship with God be deep enough to support me when I was surrounded by godlessness?

I must be very careful in building a relationship with my Savior built on my own life and not borrow from the blessings given to me!