FAITH CAPSULE: Serve by the word of God to excel as a leader that is serving.

1 Kings 12

Rehoboam was elevated when he became king after his father king Solomon. He was approached by the whole assembly of Israel saying, “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” (1 Kings 12:4) Rehoboam responded wisely when he asked the assembly of Israel to come back in three days. It is always wise to respond when responding with wisdom.
Rehoboam responded with wisdom to inquire for positive not negative that could affect his position of leading the people. Rehoboam consulted the elders, “And they spoke to him, saying, ‘If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.’”(1 Kings 12:7) Have you been promoted to a higher position where you are expecting to serve the people or to be served by the people?
It is better to learn from the word of God on how to serve.
It is important to know that every position of leadership is to serve by serving the people first. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith made it clear by example and in His word when He stated, “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28) In the position of leader it is worthy to serve and gaing as leader that is received, serving to be served.
Rehoboam did not receive advice of the elders but consulted the young men which grew with him. Rehoboam received advise as stated, “…speak to this people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist! And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!’” (1Kings 12:10-11) Rehoboam rejected advice of the elders but responded the young one’s advice. Rehoboam’s response to wrong advice was a fall in the beginning of his reign by not leading to serve his people through to the end of his reign.
Evidently, if anyone gives self to the word of God, keeping to the word of God is certain to gain and retain the presence of God.
In all position as a leader, one that will lead by the word of God not by the word of world is certain to excel as a leader by serving and being served by his people.  Rehoboam as leader was a failure.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace of understanding to serve for God to be glorified in your life.