Irrespective of status in life, high or low, scores of decisions are made by each and everyone. Many of these decisions are urgent or immediate while some can be delayed for a short period of time but some can wait for a little longer time.

One important thing about decision making is that it will either make you a victim or a victor. This is a reason why a decision needs to be considered very well before finalizing it, even when it urgent. Many times, it is not only the decision maker that is affected by it; it affects others near and far, positively or negatively.

This was the case with King Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, who ascended the throne of Israel immediately after the demise of his father.

A DEMAND
The people of God in Israel served King Solomon very well and pleasantly. When he passed on, the Isrealites demanded that their burden be reduced by the newly installed king to experience a relief (2 Chronicles 10:3-4). As a new king, his decision on this matter determines whether or not he will have a loyal subjects or not. This calls for caution, a well thought out decision is needed. The outcome of such decision will affect not only the king and those of his household but those who helps in in governance as well as those who are governed. He gives them three days for an answer to their demand.
CONSULTATIONS.
To take a definite decision on such a sensitive matter calls for consultations. This will give the king enough room to know which way to go.
Consultation One: King Rehoboam has two sets of people he could speak with. The first one is the aged and experienced people who had been of helps in the days of his father. He presents his matter thus, "What is your advice? How do I answer these people?"vs 6.
The wise counsel of the experienced people in palace is, "If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects."verse 7.
Consultation Two. Not satisfied with the reply he gets from people who has experience, he consults with his peers with whom he grows. They advise him to answer them harshly and promise to add more to their burdens. They do not consider what the outcome will be not to talk of telling him. The older people acts differently, they do not fail to inform him that the people demanding light burdens will serve the king with loyalty.

WHO BEAR'S THE BRUNT?
After choosing the counsel of his peers, things falls apart and the center could not hold because the people went away to form a parallel government. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remains under the control of King Rehoboam.
The question now arises, "Who bears the brunt of his decision?" It is not any of his friends or group of his friends who suffers loss for his decision, he bears the brunt. By extension, his tax official loses his life because the aggrieved people stone him to death.

Although the whole episode is for God to fulfill His Words which He has spoken through His servant to divide the kingdom during the time of king Rehoboam and that Jeroboam will reign over His people (2 Chronicles 10:15), yet, the lessons are there for us to learn. Soliciting for wrong counsel can do any harm to one's live, home, marriage or business. That's why it is important to consider very well which advice to take and from who. May you not take a wrong decision in the name of Jesus Christ.
Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

SALVATION MESSAGE: In case you just "stumble"on this piece and you do not know your Creator or you have been so far deceived with one religion or the other, I am happy to inform you that TODAY is the appointed time to be reconciled with your Maker.
*Accept the truth that you are a sinner and cannot help yourself.
*Confess all your sins to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you, He will surely do.
*Ask the Lord to occupy and control your heart forever.
*Request Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit to with you forever.
* Obtain a copy of the Holy Bible for daily reading and application for great benefits.
*Join an assembly of God's children where the Scripture is held in high esteem for fellowship and growth.

May the Lord help you to walk with Him for the rest of your life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Note:
Scriptures quoted are from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible.

The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents.