How should believers prioritize godly relationships based on Elisha's example? Seeing the Scene 2 Kings 3:14: “Elisha said, ‘As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I respect the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not regard you or even look at you.’” Elisha stands before three kings in crisis. Two are compromised; one—Jehoshaphat—fears God. Elisha’s response draws a bright line: his engagement hangs solely on the presence of the godly king. What Elisha Teaches about Relational Priorities • Clear allegiance to the LORD comes first. • Respect is extended to those who share that allegiance. • Time and energy are withheld when righteousness is absent. Why This Matters for Us 1. Godly relationships invite God’s favor. ‑ Psalm 84:11—“The LORD bestows favor and honor; He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly.” ‑ Jehoshaphat’s presence opens the door to prophetic help for everyone else. 2. Compromise dilutes influence. ‑ 1 Corinthians 15:33—“Bad company corrupts good character.” ‑ Elisha refuses to legitimize ungodliness by casual association. 3. We steward our relational capital. ‑ Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” ‑ Elisha invests his prophetic gift only where faith is honored. Practical Steps to Imitate Elisha • Identify your inner circle. ‑ List the voices you allow closest to your heart. ‑ Ask: Do they fear the Lord like Jehoshaphat? • Bless broadly, bond selectively. ‑ Show kindness to all (Galatians 6:10). ‑ Share counsel and partnership chiefly with those who revere God. • Guard the gateway moments. ‑ Before major decisions, invite input from proven believers (Proverbs 11:14). ‑ Decline influence from sources that dismiss Scripture. • Let your respect be a witness. ‑ Elisha’s honor for Jehoshaphat exposes the spiritual poverty of the others. ‑ Your priorities quietly preach the gospel. When Godly Relationships Are in Place • Unity draws divine direction (Matthew 18:19-20). • Courage rises; fear recedes (2 Timothy 1:7). • Kingdom outcomes multiply beyond personal ability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Closing Takeaway Elisha’s simple qualifier—“Were it not that I respect Jehoshaphat…”—calls every believer to weigh relationships in the light of God’s honor. Align closely with the devoted, keep healthy distance from the compromised, and watch the Lord amplify His work through sanctified friendships. |
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