In leadership, we have to realize that we are not an island, or a dictatorship. Without the cooperation of the people, who will we lead? Without respecting and caring for the people that we lead, we will have little concern for their well being. When we lose their love, respect and desire to follow us, we will have a lonely time at the top leading ourselves. In verse 17 Rehoboam was left to rule over one territory only. He lost his effectiveness as a leader of all the people. We have to be so careful of that. With God’s help and direction, we can gain the respect of the people we lead, and still respect them and be a part of them. Especially in leadership we must allow God to work in and through us. It is one thing to not personally obey God’s commands, or lead our family aright, but to lead a whole Bible School class, or church, or city or nation astray is altogether different, and results in an impact on God’s ministry through us. We should always look for ways to enhance the kingdom, not tear it down.