Part 2

 ¹³The king answered the people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders which they had given him,
 ¹⁴and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "^(I)My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions."

1 Kings 12:13-14

Instead of listening to the wisdom of the elders, the very ones who served with his father Solomon, he chose the ways of children by forcefully ruling with an iron fist.  This proved to be a terrible move since it raised an uproar amongst the nation and forever separated Israel from Judah.

There's always God's way of leading His flock.  Most of the time it's not the most efficient or productive ways according to what our flesh thinks.  But rather, it's the path that exercises patience, self-control, kindness & love.  King Rehoboam chose a method to rule by fear instead of having the fear of the Lord.

There's a choice each of us needs to make especially for those in leadership.  When we steward any of God's gifts we need to approach them according to the fruit of the Spirit and not with selfish motives.  In the work environment I see this struggle because of deadlines and personal agendas.  It's easier when everyone shares a common goal but it's so much harder to lead when everyone wants to do it their way (fueled by their motives).  So how do we overcome this struggle within work environments?  I still believe that we can be firm in our leadership but still be gentle and kind.  Patience and self-control will definitely be tested; which is a great thing.  We can and need to apply God's teachings everywhere.

Father God, thank You for this wonderful lesson of stretching our faith beyond the comfortable doors of church.  Help me Lord by sending Your mighty Spirit to fill and to counsel me in all ways in all places.  Teach me boldness to be the same person whether at home, church, amongst unbeliever and work.  In the precious name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen!