Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam learned the hard way that a leader's role isn't to maintain power.  Leadership is given by the Lord – He's the One who appoints leaders, and He's the One who removes them from power.  In the cases of both of these men, they lost their leadership roles because of their efforts to keep them.  Isn't it funny how that worked out?  They fought so hard to keep something that wasn't their in the first place, and in the end they lost it.  If only Rehoboam had listened to the older men who suggested that he become a servant of the people rather than a source of stress to the people.  If only he had listen and hadn't sought to maintain his power.  Or if only Jeroboam had remembered that the Lord appointed him as a new king in Israel and that it was only by the Lord's grace that he received such a position, then he wouldn't have been tempted to make the false altars and to cling to tightly to his power.  The difference between David and these two men is that David understood that leadership was a privilege – a stewardship – it was only for a time, and it didn't belong to him.  If you're a leader, don't forget that your role isn't a guarantee; it's a privilege.  God has given it to you for a period of time.  Don't waste the opportunity to lead, and don't be selfish.  Seek to serve those whom you're leading, and the Lord will bless your efforts.