Our Spiritual Family

DEACON JASON GOH

⁶ Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, 

who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, …

⁸ But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him,

and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him …

¹⁴ King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men,

saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. - 2 CHRONICLES 10:6-14

2 Chronicles 10 is a major turn of event from the previous chapters. Chapter 9 describes the visit by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. It illustrates the wisdom of Solomon and the splendour of his kingdom. Upon Solomon’s death, his son succeeded him as king, and this is the first narrative of King Rehoboam in the book of 2 Chronicles. He made bad decisions, was harsh on the people, and there were rebellions in his kingdom.

The people we hang out with and take advice from is important. They influence our perception and perspective!  

As Christians, we know that we ought to be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Nonetheless the world is distracting, and it is so easy to fall into bad influences. So the people close to us are important.

As I prepare this reflection, we have just completed our GPC Church Camp. We hung out with fellow brothers and sisters for three days, reflected on God’s message, and also had fun. With the group of campers gathering at my home, it felt just like a spiritual family - learning together, growing together.

The month of May was CG Month. Being active in my Care Group, we participated in both the Mural Treasure Hunt and Fellowship with the Pastoral Team events. Each Care Group is like a smaller family unit in a bigger church family. We grow together, share our ups and downs, and journey together.

If you missed the opportunity for this year’s church camp, the opportunity to join a Care Group is still available. Reach out to a pastoral staff or leader.

Reading further in the verses, 2 Chronicle 10:15 tells us that the turn of events during King Rehoboam’s reign was from God to fulfil His word. Nonetheless, this does not absolve King Rehoboam of his responsibility. In our earthly life now, we need to make our best efforts to acquire godly wisdom. How do we seek counsel and discern right from wrong? How do we gain the correct compass direction and perspective in life? And who can we draw close to as a spiritual family to journey together?