Tires Aren't Cheap

Several months ago we were driving around a neighborhood and came upon a new section under development. As we navigated the dirty streets we picked up a nail in just the wrong spot and got to replace a few tires. Now we were back. A few additional houses were up and I wanted to drive by and check them out. As I approached the street, Susan reminded me what happened last time and suggested I reconsider. “What are the odds?” I said, “Surely lightning won’t strike twice…"

"Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. 'Do everything they say to you,' the Lord replied, 'for they are rejecting me, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.'" (1 Samuel 8:6-9)

Advice is just wind if we choose to reject it.  

The Israelites were hungry for a King. Everyone else had one, why shouldn't they? A King, they thought, would lead them against their enemies, stabilize the nation, and provide a good economy to enjoy. (People are silently begging to be led). They were deceived and lost sight of what God had done for them and their own sense of personal responsibility.  

Samuel went to God for advice, and he tried to warn the people, but they just wouldn't listen...so they got what they asked for. They drove around with a nail in their tires for 100 years until the kingdom was divided. A few hundred years after that, both Israel and Judah fell into the hands of the enemy, while they waited for the King of Kings to emerge. They were warned.

In the multitude of counselors, there is safety but only if you listen to them.

Just because you want to do something doesn't mean you should. Seek wise advice, listen to it (especially if from God or your wife…), and don't be dumb and tempt fate. Lightning can strike twice and tires aren't cheap...just ask me!