YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND LIVE A FULFILLING, FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE LET THE LORD LEAD YOU

Typically, when we seek advice, we search for the best in that respective field—those with excellent credentials, strong recommendations, the highest customer satisfaction rating, or the newest state-of-the-art equipment. And although it’s important to seek professional advice, Matthew 23:9 (msg) states “Do not set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do.”

Such was the case in 1 Kings, Chapter 12. Rehoboam became the king of Israel once Solomon, his father, died. The people, afraid that they would be treated with cruelty, asked Jeroboam, an administrator, to speak with Rehoboam. The king agreed. He approached Rehoboam and asserted, “your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore lighten the hard service and the heavy yoke your father (Solomon) put upon us, and we will serve you.” Unable to give a swift answer, Rehoboam instructed them to “return” in three days and he would reveal his decision. King Rehoboam then consulted the elders who had served during his father’s lifetime.

“How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. They replied, “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.” But Rehoboam was displeased with the answer he received and rejected the advice of the elders. He then consulted men serving him with whom he had grown up. “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” The young men replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’” Convinced by his comrades, Rehoboam reached a resolution. He would upstage his father by treating the people significantly worse (verse 14). Though Rehoboam received wise counsel in verses 5-7, that wisdom quickly turned into foolishness in verses 8-14. The result led to division, rebellion, and consequential death (verses 15-18).

If Rehoboam had taken time to pray, perhaps he would have discerned godly advice (verse 15) and prevented the uprising. If he had any doubts regarding the old men’s counsel, there was ample time (three days) to think about what to do, waiting for a response from the Lord. But he made his decision in haste and was influenced by his “homeboys.” Rehoboam proved Proverbs 13:20 true: “he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” This story teaches us the importance of pursuing godly wisdom in every area of our lives. While it’s perfectly okay to get different opinions and recommendations (Proverbs 11:14), the final decision should always depend on God’s expertise (Proverbs 16:33).

— Proverbs 19:20

Recently, I found myself in a similar situation when seeking a home addition specialist. After searching Google, I narrowed my choices down to four different contractors, and scheduled the appointments. Yet, I was baffled when a plethora of companies showed up to my house without an appointment. How did they obtain my contact information? They were all “registered” as experts, though their lack of professionalism proved otherwise. Even more irksome were the two overly aggressive guys who harassed me for so long, I considered contacting the police to get them removed from my property. It was quite daunting. Overwhelmed and unimpressed with what I experienced, I prayed and waited for directions from the Lord. Without much hesitation, He instructed me to search my old emails for the company who remodeled my home in 2017. And that’s exactly what I did.

Seeking expert advice should not be arduous. However, the world uses a totally different set of rules and guidelines when determining who is best (1 John 2:16). Although there are people who think it’s unnecessary to seek God, those of us who trust Him recognize the importance of prudence, praying about everything (Philippians 4:6). Sadly, we live in a society where God is no longer viewed as an expert. The world has gone from trusting God to trusting Google—relying on “reviews” rather than reaching for the Bible.

As far as my home project goes, I’m overjoyed with the outcome. I started with Google, but I ended with God. There is no doubt that I would have been unhappy with any other contractor other than the one God chose. I’d like to think I observed the right expert—but I didn’t. Thankfully, I made the decision to trust the One (expert) Who referred me to the right one.

Y’all be blessed!

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