Beacons of Light

For generations our nation has maintained a bulwark of hope and promise under the auspices of God-fearing leaders. Such leaders were guiding lights in the quest for world stability and peace. For the most part they stood before others as worthy examples and beacons to follow. Now there are fractures in the bulwark and many are left foundering in the rocky shoals as guiding beacons dim.

While contending with the issues of life we recognize the advantage of following good examples set before us. Having competent counsel can be helpful in making the right decisions, but what happens when counsel is incompetent or has conflicting interests? We see examples of this as our own government makes wrong decisions that will have lasting negative impacts on our future well-being. Oftentimes history leaves lessons having parallels to the present.

Solomon was rich, powerful, and so wise that other kings and world leaders went to him for counsel. But Solomon wasn't a good father when it came to setting a good example for his son to follow. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam began his rule over a kingdom rife with discontent over the burdens of work and taxes. A delegation met with the king asking for relief, and they were told to return in three days for an answer. Rehoboam sought counsel from a few advisors in the previous administration, but ended up rejecting their wise counsel. He then turned to a group of his friends and peers and asked for their opinion on how he should respond to the people's delegation. Their advice was to make life harder for the people. This caused a rift that divided the nation. [Read the story in 1 Kings 12:1-17]

As we look to the future, let each of us be a beacon of light for others to follow. "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." Titus 2:7,8 NKJV. The exemplification of these words allows us to have a part in restoring the bulwarks of our nation.

As with Solomon, so with Rehoboam---the influence of wrong example led many astray. And as with them, so to a greater or less degree is it today with everyone who gives himself up to work evil---the influence of wrongdoing is not confined to the doer. No man liveth unto himself. None perish alone in their iniquity. Every life is a light that brightens and cheers the pathway of others, or a dark and desolating influence that tends toward despair and ruin. We lead others either upward to happiness and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal death. And if by our deeds we strengthen or force into activity the evil powers of those around us, we share their sin. [E.G. White, PK 94]

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