I need people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when something has escaped my attention–or to warn me about danger that I’ve not yet noticed.
======================
Scripture
Jeremiah 40:15-16
“Then Johanon son of Kareah said privately to Gedaliah in Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life and cause all the Jews who are gathered around you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to perish?”
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanon son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.”
Observation
Johanon saw danger approaching, and tried to warn his leader Gedaliah. His approach was bold and violent, and may not have been the wisest suggestion–yet his warning was still valid. Gedaliah rejected the proposed assassination, but unfortunately he also rejected the warning. His disregard for the counsel of his loyal general ultimately cost him his life and threw his kingdom into yet more chaos.
Application
I need wise counsel. I need people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when something has escaped my attention–or to warn me about danger that I’ve not yet noticed. I can’t just live my life at the whim of everyone around me, or simply do what they think I should do all the time…but that doesn’t mean that I should disregard their perspective and insight.
Somewhere in the middle is the balance–taking time to understand their concern and perspective, then seeking wisdom from God to respond and react in the right way.
This week, I choose to pay attention to wise counsel–and then seek understanding from God in order to respond wisely.
Prayer
God, thank you for putting people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when I need to hear their warning. Help me to listen to their heart with humility, and then seek your wisdom in order to respond in the right way.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
