Memorise: “And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him” (2 Chron 12:1).

Read: 2 Chronicles 12:1-10

Pastor Enoch  Adeboye

“And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him” (2 Chronicles 12:1). The most crucial moment in the lives of men is the time of success. Many believers continue to be on fire for God as long as challenges persist in their lives. The moment some come out of trouble, want, poverty or failure, that is the end of their relationship with God.

King Solomon had prospered and was established by God before he began to multiply wives contrary to the law. His wives turned his heart from God and he fell (1 Kings 11:1-10). May you not forget God after He establishes you in Jesus’ Name.

After the death of King Solomon, Rehoboam, his son took over. He had ample opportunities to right the wrongs and excesses of his father. Rather than do this, he dug his own pit. He took advice from inexperienced childhood friends and worsened the plight of the over-burdened Israelites. This act split the kingdom into two.

Secondly, following his father’s example, he sought many wives (2 Chro 11:23). He had at least 88 wives and concubines who turned his heart from God. Be very careful who your mentor is. Selectively copy traits of your mentor lest you repeat his mistakes. Today, several leaders’ hearts have turned away from God. Are you keeping another ‘wife’ in or outside your congregation? Is another man freely touching your body? Are you becoming unfaithful to your spouse?

Then your secret or newly found relationship has derailed your boat. You may think you are still on course: everything else seems on the right path, but you are headed for destruction. There are negative traits parents pass down their lineage. As a father, have you discovered the negative traits in your life repeated in your children? It is not strange. But what have you done about it? It is the duty of parents to address weaknesses in their children through prayers, teachings based on the Word of God, periodic counselling, etc. Your grand father permitted it and the vice surfaced in your father.

Your father did nothing about it and the same vice is in your life. If you do nothing about it, it will continue in your lineage. You can prevent it! Take immediate steps to prepare your children and wards for a greater tomorrow. Help them avoid your errors so that they can be an improvement.

Your children should be a better version of you. If not, you have failed as a Christian parent.