Three Pitfalls to Avoid

It is a sobering, and yes depressing to read about the kings of Israel and Judah. The other day in my reading I read about King Joash who was seven years old when he became king. Could you imagine? God provided a wise mentor for Joash by the name of Jehoiada who helped him rule the kingdom of Judah. In verse 17 of 2 Chronicles 24 we read "after the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king and he listened to them." (NIV) Three mistakes of young leaders as found in 2 Chronicles 24.

• Listening to the flattering words (and believing them) of those who are trying to gain from your position (vs. 17)
• Disobeying the Lord's commands (vs. 20)
  
• Not returning kindness to those who mentored you (vs. 22)

Joash soon realized that his leadership abilities were yet undeveloped. In response to this deficiency he listened to the wrong people and paid for it with his life.

A word of advice: honor those who mentored you, your life depends on it.