By Stewart Holloway
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – King Joash of Judah was only seven years old when he became king. During those years, Joash was advised by Jehoiada the priest. As long as Joash was under the authority of God’s priest, he did only good things. Most notably, he rebuilt and repaired the temple. However, as soon as Jehoiada died, Joash failed. He began listening to the wrong advisors and worshiping idols. Joash became so hardened that, even though God sent many prophets to bring the nation …back to Him, Joash would not listen. His heart-hardness reached its climax when Jehoiada’s son Zechariah spoke against him. In response, Joash completely forgot the kindness of Jehoiada and had Zechariah stoned.
Joash’s story is tragic. A good king became an evil king – all because he started listening to the wrong people.
It matters to whom you listen. The people you choose or allow to speak into your life can radically alter your course. These people include your friends and family but also the people you read, listen to on the radio or podcasts, or watch on television or online. Be discerning in whom you allow to speak into your life. The wrong voice can lead you down the wrong path.
Proverbs tells us that plans succeed when we have good counsel from multiple advisors. Choose good advisors for yourself. What makes a good advisor? I think there are three main criteria: godliness, wisdom, and a love for you. An advisor needs to walk with God so they will give godly counsel. He or she should also be wise so they will give good counsel. They should also love you so they will have your best interests at heart.
Who is speaking into your life? Make sure you are only allowing those voices who speak for God.
Stewart Holloway is pastor of First Baptist Church in Pineville. This editorial first appeared on Holloway’s Facebook page.
