In what ways can we avoid impulsive actions like Rehoboam's in our lives? Setting the Scene: Rehoboam’s Impulsive Plan “When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he assembled the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 choice warriors—to wage war against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.” (1 Kings 12:21) Rehoboam’s knee-jerk decision to mobilize an army was made before he sought the Lord’s direction (vv. 22-24). His hurry nearly plunged the kingdom into civil war. Recognizing the Roots of Impulsiveness • Pride: a desire to defend reputation rather than God’s honor (Proverbs 16:18). • Fear of loss: clutching power or security instead of trusting God (Matthew 6:31-33). • Peer pressure: listening to voices that echo our own desires (1 Kings 12:8). • Ignoring God’s prior guidance: forgetting His faithfulness and commands (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Steps to Avoid Impulsive Reactions 1. Pause before acting. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). 2. Pray immediately. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer…present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). 3. Search the Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). 4. Seek godly counsel. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Count the cost. “Whoever wants to build a tower…first sits down and calculates the cost” (Luke 14:28). 6. Wait for confirmation. Rehoboam finally stopped when God spoke through Shemaiah; we can wait for the Spirit’s peace (Colossians 3:15). 7. Choose self-control. “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking in the Spirit: Scriptural Anchors • Trust God’s sovereignty — Proverbs 3:5-6. • Remember past deliverances — 1 Samuel 7:12. • Recognize the battle is His — 2 Chronicles 20:15. • Stay still long enough to hear — Psalm 46:10. • Obey promptly once He speaks — 1 Kings 12:24. Living It Out Today • Start each day in Scripture so decisions flow from truth, not impulse. • Keep a “pause phrase” (“Lord, what do You say?”) to slow reactions. • Invite a mature believer to be a sounding board for major choices. • Review decisions at day’s end: where did I act in haste, and how can I submit that area tomorrow? • Celebrate every moment the Spirit empowers self-control; it confirms His work within. |
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