Who Influences You?

“Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.”—1 Kings 12:8 NLT

The Bible gives many examples of the importance of having the right influences and being careful who we allow to advise us. To whom do we listen when we need to make a decision? We learn much about this process from examining the life of Rehoboam.

Rehoboam could have had the best advice possible. The grandson of David and son of Solomon, he could have drawn on the legacy they provided him. He became king of Israel at a time when sensitive issues were being debated. He needed to know what to do.

As he debated his options, he should have listened to the recommendations of Israel’s elders and considered their perspective. He should have sought God for discernment or applied insights taught by his father: how to make decisions and how to avoid mistakes. Instead, he turned to his friends who guided him in the wrong direction. The result was a disaster and the division of the kingdom of Israel.

Who are the people who are helping to shape your life? Parents? Relatives? The characters in the media and the lifestyles they encourage? The advice you receive from social media? The opinions expressed by friends?

You have a choice about who you allow to influence you. Be careful to whom you listen. Remember to place your confidence in God. Stand on His Word and seek His guidance. Stay sensitive to His Spirit. Trust Him to help you make wise decisions.

Reflection Question: To whom do you turn for advice and guidance?