WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on 2 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬-‭22

“Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What should we do?” Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Have relations with your father’s concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom had relations with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

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Pieces of advice are either godly or ungodly. Whom we take advice from is crucial in our life. It either honors the Lord or dishonors Him. It either brings us closer to the Lord or distances ourselves from Him. It either heals or destroys. Remember that Absalom was born in the king's house. He was an Israelite, God's chosen and beloved people. He would probably have known the Law of God and heard godly words and principles from dad and godly counselors. So, how did Absalom end up like that? Was it because of sex or fame or power? The phrase, "The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened" seemed to suggest that his ego craved for power. But power of who? It is from the people who were with him. In short, Absalom desired people's support as he had used this tactic before- pleasing people in exchange for their approval. It is like today, people can do crazy things to get "likes" or "views" on social media or in business deals. Another example is peer pressure. It happens because it asks for the group's acceptance by pleasing them. Usually, this is done by an individual who desires power to inflate his/her egoistic self-image. So when we face an important decision, we learn to pause, ask the Lord, search His word, and seek a counselor who knows us well and dare to speak the truth in love (cf. Ephesians 4:15) which includes bringing in the whole counsel of God (cf. Acts 20:27) that teaches, rebukes, and trains in righteousness (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16). May this be the practice of our church's members in both their personal and communal living. Amen.