relationships (2 Chronicles 27:1-9) Managing

(2 Chronicles 27:1-9)  Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done; however he did not enter the temple of the Lord. But the people continued acting corruptly. 3 He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord, and he built the wall of Ophel extensively. 4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills. 5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed over them so that during that year the Ammonites gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites also paid him this amount in the second year and in the third. 6 So Jotham became powerful because he directed his ways before the Lord his God. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. 9 And Jotham lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and his son Ahaz became king in his place.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Jotham did okay as a leader in comparison to his father, Uzziah.  He followed after God and remained humble and faithful before Him.  But Jotham seemed to be oblivious, allowing his people to act corruptly.  Often, in order to escape the responsibility of addressing an issue, people will just pretend not to notice the things that are amiss... even when it comes to things in one's own life.

I remember a very sweet lady whose husband had died young, and she was left to support and raise two boys all on her own.  She was faithful and steadfast and strong when it came to following the Lord!  But when it came to instructing and disciplining her sons, she seemed very helpless and hopeless.  When they acted out, she would just very "lovingly" say, "Boys," and then sit by and watch, with sad eyes.  Although, being a prayer warrior, I'm very sure she was praying.

Praying is awesome and it is DEFINITELY one of the things we should do.  Can God fix any issue?  Indeed.  And He will fight our battles.  But when we are the ones in charge and/or when a situation arises in which we are equipped to manage, God wants us to step up in His wisdom, strength and love - and help.  An example of the latter, is if a medical emergency arises and one is a doctor, nurse or first responder, one is obligated to jump to it.  You are that answer to prayer!

As for the managers of life, be it in government, or business, be it a coach, or a teacher/instructor... one has a job to do, and one must manage, correct, influence and teach, besides always striving to be an example to follow.  Definitely we are to exercise grace, knowing that each person has choices to make, and we cannot control what anybody does or doesn't do.  Especially if someone isn't a believer, we cannot expect them to behave as a believer.  And as God's word tells us,

(Colossians 3:23-24)  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

As for raising children!  We should not be afraid to carry out this precious responsibility and privilege!  Both parents are critical.  This isn't just a mom's job!  And definitely don't expect the Sunday school teachers, coaches or school teachers to fill in the gaps.  

Bringing life into this world and raising children is more than a job.  And don't let things slide, because the issues will only grow and get bigger.  Best to address things immediately, because just when you think you've figured out one phase, a new one is just around the corner.  Not to be heavy-handed, mean or oppressive!  Take every step with God's wisdom, strength, patience, grace, joy and love.