Day 95
Observation
Supporting Solomon in the manner to which he is accustomed puts a heavy burden of taxation on the nation Israel. After Solomon's death, the people demand relief from their crushing taxes. Rehoboam, Solomon's headstrong son and successor, rejects the wise counsel of his father's advisors for the foolish advice of his younger associates. Rather than lessen the burden, he multiplies it ten times over! The result is predictable: rebellion, civil war and a divided kingdom. Only two of the twelve tribes remain true to Rehoboam. The rest form a new nation under the leadership of Jeroboam, who sets up his own system of worship in the north, and in the process sets the pattern for wicked rule which will characterize all his successors.
Application
"Like father, like son" is a familiar term with a painfully accurate record of being right. Do you want to see how a son will turn out? Study the life of his father, and more often than not you'll have your answer. Similarly, if you want to know what a girl will be like in twenty years, look at her mother now.
The influence of parents on their children is hard to overestimate. Children are born mimics, and they will imitate others around them (especially their parents) almost from birth. Proper exhortation in the lives of children is important, but have you overlooked the importance of proper example? Hold up a spiritual mirror and examine you life right now. Make a list of some of the things you like—and don't like—about what you see. Now ask yourself this penetrating question. "If my children grow up to follow in my footsteps, will I be pleased where those footsteps lead?" If you're not satisfied with the answer, the time for a mid-course correction is now.
The influence of parents on their children is hard to overestimate. Children are born mimics, and they will imitate others around them (especially their parents) almost from birth. Proper exhortation in the lives of children is important, but have you overlooked the importance of proper example? Hold up a spiritual mirror and examine you life right now. Make a list of some of the things you like—and don't like—about what you see. Now ask yourself this penetrating question. "If my children grow up to follow in my footsteps, will I be pleased where those footsteps lead?" If you're not satisfied with the answer, the time for a mid-course correction is now.
Prayer
Lord help us to be true to ourselves and change the things about us that are not pleasing to you. We want to be a bright light in this dark world especially for the young generation—the children. Let us live such lives that we lead them right into your loving arms. In Jesus name, amen!
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| Be a Beacon of Light in this Dark World! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019
