BAD DECISIONS

One a wise older man who should have known better. One a young man just starting his career, who made a huge mistake. Father and son.
Solomon, the wise, gifted king, really had no excuse. God's instructions against alliances with those who worshipped other gods were very clear. Yet the dual attractions of political power and sex, coupled with great wealth, caused him to enter into marriages with hundreds of women who had no faith in the God of Israel. I'm sure it took time, perhaps decades with these women. But eventually, the Bible records, Solomon, late in life, turned from the exclusive strong allegiance to the Lord with which he started his rule. The man who build a magnificent temple for God, erected places for idol worship and offered sacrifices to them. How tragic!

Not long afterward, his son King Rehoboam, faced a major career decision, probably the biggest he would ever make. It came almost immediately after he replaced his father on the throne of Israel. He was visited by a delegation representing 10 of the 12 tribes. They told him they would serve him loyally, if he would lighten the "taxation load". Rehoboam, facing this major decision, wisely asked for time. He also wisely consulted with two sets of counsellors, who unfortunately gave him opposing advice.
Sadly, he took the advice of those who in effect told him to "be tougher than your father was. Let them see what a strong king you can be." With this one wrong decision, ten of the tribes rebel and Rehoboam is left with only a tiny kingdom of two tribes. Thus Israel becomes a divided nation.
We can discern some powerful life and leadership lessons from the examples of these two men in I Kings 12 and 13. We who are older need to guard ourselves. Being strong in the faith as young or middle aged people does not guarantee that we finish our life of faith well.
And you who are younger, make sure you walk closely with God. Don't just look to God when you face a crisis or a major decision (education, career, marriage, whatever). Stay daily on good terms with God and His Word, so that you will be much more likely to make solid, God directed decisions.
I salute those who start well and finish the life of faith well! And aren't we glad that God can use even dumb mistakes for his ultimate glory!