They are good listeners, wise, and discerning.
| posted 1/30/2009
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If you had to make a big decision (whom to marry or not marry; whether to change jobs or move to another country), to whom you would go for advice? You'd probably ask friends who know you well, family members you trust, a church leader you look up to. But most of all, you'd want some-one who's a good listener, who can help you examine wisely all possible angles of your decision, and then leave the final decision up to you.
It's important to surround yourself with godly advisors so that you'll have a ready resource for such times. In this passage, Solomon's son, Rehoboam, did ask his father's senior officials what he should do. But when he didn't like their advice, he ignored it. Instead he asked his group of friends (who weren't very wise) what to do—and followed their instructions. Because of Rehoboam's action, the country of Israel became a divided kingdom, with Rehoboam only able to rule over Judah.
In contrast, a good spiritual leader is interested in serving you, not in personal gain or in looking good. A good spiritual leader also is a prayer warrior who's always in communion with God through his Word. (See also 1 Kings 12:1-20; Ezra 7; Matthew 17:1-13; Jude 3-7.)
Good Words to Remember:
When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying, "What share have we in David? … To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!" 1 Kings 12:16
Today's Challenge:
What wise, discerning listeners have you surrounded yourself with?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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