2 Samuel 17: 23
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
One of the more difficult things to deal with, in this life, is dissenting opinion among like-minded people. It is easy to deal with when you are holding discourse with someone who doesn't think like you do - the assumption you bring to the table is simply that you'll either argue or not. Regardless, unless you both take measures to actually listen to one another it is likely you will only wait your turn to speak, and ultimately only touch down on some few common points. And you certainly will not be of like minds because of that single issue.
Not so among believers of the same camp. One of the dangers of being among people who strongly go after the same goals you do, and who are of a mind similar to yours, is that any sudden change is actually shocking. If you and your brother spent the last twenty years only fishing in your spare time, and then tomorrow he asks you if you want to take up language study, it is likely your first response will not be "sure!" but rather "who are you?" Moreover, if your brother explains his reasons, no matter how good, there will be a transition point where you will have to truly evaluate your own fundamental beliefs in this regard.
How much more so for Ahithophel here - he and Absalom were in one accord, seeking to take out David and put Absalom on the throne. They were gung-ho for it, and God seemed to be blessing many of the efforts that were geared toward that goal. But Absalom and Ahithophel were not being led by God - and I believe Ahithophel realized this. It is why he killed himself.
I bring this verse to bear as a reminder - our eyes should be not be focused on our peers, our loved ones, our goals, our friends, our families, or ourselves. They should be focused on God. Any other focus will bring condemnation and death.
CALL TO ACTION
I - Pray a song of praise
God has done marvelous things in your life!
Claim ten things that He did that made a profound difference in your life. Include anything YOU feel God did in your life.
example(s): a new job, a check that covered a debt, a new wife, a sunrise that made you day better, a pay raise, no fighting during a family outing
II - Pray another song of praise
God has done even more marvelous things in your life!!
Claim ten events or duties you take for granted that clearly indicate God's presence in your life.
example(s): perfect weather, water, food, divine providence, not feeling right about which path to take and thus not having an accident
III - Pray for guidance
God has a plan for your day!
Claim God's guidance today
- set aside 15 minutes to ask him for guidance about the issues of your day.
- set aside 30 minutes to listen to his answers.
- hearken to His guidance throughout the day for those answers that did not click yet.
IV - Pray a song of thanksgiving
God is real!
Thank Jesus for planning your day.
Give praise and glory to the most high God for knowing what you need even before you are aware.
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