I was talking with students the other day about how to seek guidance in our lives. This is something everyone wants. We want to know if we are on the right path, or we want to know how to decide which path to take.
One Bible story that has stuck with me is from 1 Kings Chapters 3-12, and the examples of Solomon and his son Rehoboam. God asked Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (3:5) Humbly, Solomon asked for wisdom. This pleased God (v 10), and God “gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (4:29).
However, King Solomon’s son was not as wise! One would think that he would have learned a thing or two from his wise father. Solomon made good decisions, and most likely he picked wise advisors. After his death, the Israelites came to his son Rehoboam and asked him to lighten their work load. Rehoboam asked them to give him three days to make a decision (that was probably good, versus a rushed answer). His father’s elders told him to be a servant to the Israelites and to treat them kindly. But in 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam rejected this advice. Instead, he took the advice of his peers and servants (who probably wanted to please him and keep their jobs) who told him to be even harsher. The Israelites entered into rebellion as a result, the kingdom was split in two, and “so Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” (12:19)
I know that I have been in Rehoboam’s shoes before. I like to listen to people who tell me what I want to hear. I like advice that agrees with what I have already decided. I don’t want someone to tell me that I should reconsider my actions!
But, that’s a dangerous place to be. It has meant that I made decisions sometimes based on what I think is truth, what suits me. My friends will often agree with me because I can convince them of my own perspective. I see the need to keep wise and respected people in my life who can gently tell me the truth that I need to hear. This often includes parents, mature believers, mentors, and spiritual leaders. When I have listened to godly wisdom in the past, it has saved me heartache, I’m sure! It’s a balanced life, and it allows room for sound guidance to prevail, not just opinions.