SeanOKelly.us

I was reading 2 Chronicles today, and realized something obvious, that I probably already knew; but it brought the thoughts back into my forefront. King Solomon had just died, and finished off an amazing reign over Israel when his son Rehoboam takes over the kingdom. Some people come and request something from the new king, and he wisely takes a few days to consult with advisers before making a decision.

First, what a great model to follow. Seeking wisdom for a large decision from multiple counselors is proverbial wisdom. Proverbs 20:18a says to “Make plans by seeking advice”. and 15:22 says “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” We need other people, other perspectives, other personalities to speak wisdom into our lives, especially when making big decisions.

So Rehoboam does this. He wisely goes to his father’s counselors, the old wise men Solomon leaded on. They give him some great advice. Then he goes to his young inexperienced friends, and they advise him to do the opposite. A lot of good seeking counsel does when you get completely opposing viewpoints and advise. Rehoboam has to make a decision. I’ll also note, the Bible does not mention him seeking counsel from God… oops!

Rehoboam ends up following the advise of his “yes men friends”, and the kingdom is torn apart forever. This really got me thinking. All it takes is one bad decision to possibly alter the entire course of your entire life. History would have been completely rewritten if Rehoboam had chosen the advise of the elder wise men. Instead, Israel splits, and the 10 Northern tribes turn from God, worship idols and false gods, and never turn back to God.

How many lives are ruined by people who make these same wrong choices? It could be just one drink, one hit off a drug, one person who leads you astray. It just takes one wrong choice to potentially altar the course of your entire life. God has a perfect plan for each and every one of us. I’m not naive enough to think that anyone but Jesus ever gets to live it out 100%. BUT, we can get close if we just make the right choices in life; the God choices. We’re confronted with conflict, and life altering decisions daily.

Seeking wisdom is beneficial to aid in decision making, and we all need it. And often we’ll get great counsel from great people and it will help us make great decisions. But we need to remember what Rehoboam didn’t: Jesus already has the answer you seek. James 1:5 says “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God wants us to go to others and seek counsel, but don’t leave Him out of the equation. He already knows, and has the answers, even before we ask.

Make good choices today, and every day.