The Biblical Example:
The great King Solomon had died and his son, Rehoboam, was about to become King of all Israel. Being somewhat skeptical of the new king’s intentions, the ten northern tribes said: “Your father was a hard master. Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.” King Robbie (as I call him) promised to answer in three days. First, he discussed the matter with his father’s counselors who advised that kindness toward the people of the ten tribes would ensure their loyalty. However, the King rejected their advice and then consulted his long-time friends who were now his new advisors. They urged him to impose even more harsh requirements instead of reducing the workload. Upon hearing this, the ten northern tribes rejected King Robbie’s rule over them and selected one of King Solomon’s enemies as their new ruler instead. (1 Kings 12)
The Perspective:
Chuck Swindoll puts it this way: “King Rehoboam had two faces: the public image that appeared genuinely spiritual, and the behind-the-scenes reality that revealed a reckless phony. His fascinating story demonstrates that hypocrisy results in personal and public tragedy for ourselves, those closest to us, and even those at a distance.”* King Robbie pretended to look the part of the respectful, wise young ruler by asking his father’s counselors for advice when, in fact, he planned all along to agree with his own friends’ advice. Through this look at King Robbie, we gain insight into the dangers of hypocrisy and are asked to examine ourselves for such a state hiding within us.
The Trap is Set:
Like clockwork, every time I study something in the Bible, God points his finger at me and says, “This lesson is for you, too!” (Of course, sometimes it is a blessing that is for me.) The other day, a friend told me about her Easter Sunday. She and her adult children had received an invitation to join her son and his wife for Easter lunch. The catch here is that her son lives in the United States, just across the border from where my friend and her kids live in Canada. She already has her Nexus card, which enables her to cross the border without waiting in the frequently long car line-up. Naturally, this works well for those who cross the border frequently. Unfortunately, her other children had not heeded their sister-in-law’s repeated pleas to get their own Nexus cards so they ended up stuck in a 1 ½ hour line-up on their way for Easter lunch. As a result of their very late arrival, my friend’s daughter-in-law was extremely upset and disappointed. While listening to this story, I nodded my head in angry agreement, saying, “Your other kids are just showing a lack of consideration and love toward your son and his wife by not bothering to get their Nexus cards. Certainly, it isn’t too much to ask!”
Caught in the Act:
But in my head, I remembered when my husband and I recently crossed the same border to visit our married daughter and waited almost two hours in the border line-up leaving my daughter waiting for us to arrive at some unknown time. My husband and I had been talking for several months about getting our Nexus cards but just had not made the effort to apply. I sensed God’s finger pointing at me! “What are you talking about, Barb? You have shown that same lack of care by delaying your application process.” (The fact that she knew we might be delayed at the border does not excuse us from not taking advantage of ways to cross the border quickly. If she was angry at us for not getting the Nexus card, she did not show it, but she would be in her rights if she was!)
My Reaction:
I admitted my hypocrisy to God and asked His forgiveness, determined not to procrastinate any longer in applying for that Nexus card. That night, my husband and I filled out the online applications and now wait for our interview, praying that we will be approved.
My Prayer:
So, Lord, I see now that, although I am not completely like King Robbie in character, I still displayed that same two-faced attitude toward my daughter by promising to get the Nexus card but then not following through, resulting in an imposition upon her schedule. As Chuck Swindoll suggests, hypocrisy results in discord. I was also no better than my friend’s uncaring children were. Thank you for her considerate attitude that showed me the right way to go. Thank you for a daughter with an abundance of patience. Lord, stop me in the future from being hypocritical. Help me to respect the schedules of my family and friends. Amen.
*Swindoll, Charles R., Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives Workbook (W Publishing Group:Nashville, TN), 2006, p 133.
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