How should leaders today seek counsel when making important decisions? Choosing the Right Counsel: Lessons from Shechem 1 Kings 12:1: “Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” Key Observations from the Text • Shechem is a covenant‐rich location (Genesis 12:6–7; Joshua 24). Rehoboam steps onto sacred ground, yet he arrives unprepared spiritually. • “Went” signals decisive movement. Leadership moments rarely give time to scramble for wisdom; counsel should already be settled in the heart before the spotlight turns on. Principles for Seeking Counsel Today • Start with God’s Word – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – Leaders first submit their decision to Scripture, allowing it to shape the very questions they bring to others. • Value Tested, God‐Fearing Voices – 1 Kings 12:6 notes that Rehoboam “consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was alive.” He heard, but he did not heed. – Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” – Look for counselors marked by spiritual maturity, doctrinal soundness, and a proven track record of obedience. • Resist the Echo Chamber – 1 Kings 12:8: “But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders… and consulted the young men who had grown up with him.” – Proverbs 18:1: “He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.” – Seek perspectives that challenge your assumptions instead of merely affirming them. • Pursue a “Multitude of Counselors,” Not Just a Favorite Few – Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Include spiritual mentors, subject‐matter experts, and people impacted by the decision. This reflects humility and guards against blind spots. • Weigh Counsel by Scripture, Then Act in Faith – Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for testing everything “against the Scriptures.” – After confirming alignment with God’s Word, leaders should move forward decisively, trusting the Lord with the outcome (Proverbs 3:5–6). Practical Steps for Modern Leaders 1. Pray and search the Scriptures first. Note any direct commands or principles. 2. List mature believers who have demonstrated wisdom in this area. Schedule time with them. 3. Invite at least one person who will likely disagree with you to speak candidly. 4. Compare every piece of advice with the Bible’s clear teaching. Discard what conflicts. 5. Seek unity among counselors where possible (2 Corinthians 13:1). 6. Once convinced, act promptly, giving God the credit for any success and shouldering full responsibility for obedience. Takeaway Leaders who treat Scripture as the final authority, honor seasoned godly counsel, and avoid self‐serving voices position themselves—and those they lead—under the blessing of God’s wise governance. |
    |