Monday, May 8th
Devotional written by Stephen Millage, Director of Elementary Ministries
HUMILITY FROM THE LORD
To read today: 1 Kings 12:1-24
Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel 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.”
1 Kings 12:14
_______________________________________
In this passage, we read about Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, who succeeded his father as king of Israel. Rehoboam was young and inexperienced but also filled with pride and arrogance. When the people of Israel came to him and asked him to ease their burdens previously placed by King Solomon, Rehoboam refused to listen and instead doubled their workload. This decision ultimately led to the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
We can learn a valuable lesson from Rehoboam’s mistake. As young people, it is easy to become prideful and think we know everything. Growing up, my two older sisters coined a nickname for me at an early age: “Know It All.” This was born out of my inserting my thoughts into the conversation in a desire to be included. Pride can prevent us from acknowledging our faults and seeking help from others.
We must remember to seek counsel and listen to the wisdom of those with more experience than us. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is important to cultivate humility and a willingness to learn from others, even if it means admitting that we don’t know everything.
Reflection: Pray that God will help you to remain humble and open to the wisdom of others.
______________________________________