YouVersion

I am amazed at how easily leaders themselves can be led astray. The life of King Joash is rather tragic as in the end, all the good he did, he turns his back on. It seems that what he did, he only did to please those around him. Initially it was for Jehoiada the priest who raised him from a boy in the temple. Fortunately for the people, he was a godly man and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But King Joash was not motivated by what was right or pleasing to God. He was motivated only to please those who were an influence in his life. So when Jehoiada died and the leaders of Judah, whose motives where not very holy, became influential in the King's life, he did whatever would please them instead. As a result the country suffered greatly.

It is good for us to always check our motives and who we listen to for advice. The consequences of pleasing other men instead of the Lord will only lead to destruction for ourselves and those we lead. The mark of a true leader is one of devotion and allegiance only to Jesus.