Who do you listen to?
The king answered the people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders which they had given him, 14 and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” (NAS) 1 Kings 12: 13-14
Every day of our lives, we all have decisions to make. Some are easy and some are very difficult. Our decisions are informed by the information we possess or hear and other life experiences. And there are many voices competing for our attention and our loyalty. Competing voices pull us in different directions. What we listen to will inform us for good or for bad, depending on how we act after receiving any information. We live with all kinds of people and we are exposed to varied and myriad of communications from others. The advent of the internet makes information flow uncontrollably around the globe.
Eve and Satan in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3)
The first couple created by God in the Garden of Eden fell because of who they listened to. They had all the chance to ignore or not listen to the devil which they did not. After listening to the voice of the devil, they still had the chance to compare it to the voice of God to take a decision. Eve was attracted by the package that was provided by the devil but unfortunately, that package never resulted in her expectations. Eve listened to the devil and acted accordingly and also convinced her husband to do the same. The consequence is evident for all to see.
Rehoboam and his counsellors (1 Kings 12)
Rehoboam as a king of Israel had the opportunity to consolidate the kingdom of Israel that was given to him by God. He messed up by heeding to the bad advice of the youth. When it comes to advising, be more particular and concerned about the message rather than the messenger. Be careful who you listen to because it can compromise your blessings.
Job, his wife and three friends
Friends and family members are immediate people we expect them to provide support, care and companionship in terms of adversities. The people you trust most will disappoint you in difficult moments of life. Depend on the wise counsel of God for He will provide the best one for you and will always be there for you. When all around your soul gives way, He will be your hope and stay (solid rock hymn).
Peter and the other Apostles listened to God
Dear child of God, decide what you want to listen to and who to obey today. Let us agree to be part of what our Great Apostles said in Acts 4:19- But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you more than to God, you judge”.