| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “The influence of a mentor” Our Bible verse for today: “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” 1 Kings 12:7 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Consider carefully the advice of your elders” I once read a great statement that’s worth remembering: “Never despise the counsel of those who have lived longer than you.” That doesn’t mean you must accept the counsel whether you agree with it or not. But if you’re going to reject it, you should at least give it careful, thoughtful, and prayerful consideration first. Don’t despise it and reject it out of hand. King Rehoboam of Judah was a foolish young man who did exactly that – he rejected the advice of his elders. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon. For much of Solomon’s long reign he had taxed the people heavily and worked them like dogs to further his massive building programs. After he died, the people were weary. They needed tax relief, and they needed a break from all the building projects. So, a group representing the people approached Rehoboam, presented their case to him, and asked for some relief. The elder advisers counseled him to grant the request and thereby win the hearts of the people. We read their wise words of counsel in 1 Kings 12:7 (above). Unfortunately, Rehoboam had also surrounded himself with another group of counselors – some brash young bucks whom he had grown up with. This group advised him to be tough with the people instead, thereby presumably demonstrating and firmly establishing his authority over them. They advised him that rather than decreasing the taxes and backing off on the projects, he should ramp it up and make them give more and do more. That would teach them a lesson about who’s in charge around here! Rehoboam despised and rejected the counsel of the elders and instead went with the advice of his impetuous young friends, and the result was a disaster. The people rebelled, there was a civil war that split the nation, and Rehoboam’s entire seventeen-year reign as king was marked by trouble and failure. All because he despised the advice of his elders. Older folks aren’t always right, but many times they are. Their advice is at least worth careful, thoughtful, prayerful consideration. We’ll think more about this tomorrow. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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