2 Kings 3:14 “Elisha said, ‘As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.’”

REPUTATION

Jehoram, king of Israel, wasn’t exactly a godly king.  When he came, along with Jehoshaphat, to ask Elisha’s counsel, Elisha said these words which are here in verse 14.  Elisha would not have even talked to Jehoram, except for the presence of Jehoshaphat.  Elisha was quick to exact punishment on others.  Jehoram knew that.  That is probably why he took Jehoshaphat with him.

Jehoshaphat was a king who was trying to please the Lord.  God honored him for that.  Elisha knew that about Jehoshaphat, so he, too, showed him honor.  My point for today is this – show honor to those who seek the Lord.  They will only bring you closer to the Lord and may be a source of blessing in your life.

TEACHING MOMENT     

So, what’s the lesson for our kids?  We should guide them to choose friends like Jehoshaphat, people who love the Lord and strive to please Him.  Those friends will not lead them into mischief and bad deeds.  They will point them toward the Lord.  They may be the very people God uses to bring your children to Christ or help strengthen their walk with Him.

Now, you can’t choose your children’s friends.  I know that.  But you can, at least while they are young, limit their exposure to people who aren’t going to encourage them in their walk with Christ.  You can keep them from spending time at the home of unbelievers.  And you need to do that, at least until they are strong enough in their faith to stand for themselves.

Do you have godly friends who influence you?  I have several “Jehoshaphats” in my life.  I often turn to them for godly counsel, because I have not achieved perfect knowledge yet.  Lol.  I still have much to learn about walking with Christ.  These friends help me do that by holding me accountable and praying for me.

If you don’t have a Jehoshaphat in your life, you need to find one.  Good company breeds good morals, or so the saying goes.  Bad company…well…you know.

Father of Glory, give me the kind of friends who will teach me to follow you.  I want friends whose reputation for following you precedes them.  I thank you for putting those saints in my life.