How should believers respond when God elevates them to positions of influence? Setting the Scene • David is near the end of his reign, openly transferring authority to Solomon (1 Chron 29:22–24). • “The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him” (1 Chron 29:25). • Solomon’s rise is clearly God-initiated; the text highlights God’s action, not Solomon’s ambition. Key Observation: God Is the Promoter • Psalm 75:6-7—“For exaltation comes neither from east nor west… but God is the Judge; He brings down one and exalts another.” • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” • Any position of influence is first and foremost a stewardship entrusted by the Lord. Principles for Believers Elevated by God 1. Recognize the Source – Deuteronomy 8:17-18 warns against saying, “My power… has gained me this wealth.” – Immediate thanksgiving keeps pride at bay. 2. Walk in Humility – 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” – Authority with humility draws people toward God rather than toward self. 3. Prioritize Worship and Obedience – Solomon began well: he “loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David” (1 Kings 3:3). – Influence grows healthiest when rooted in consistent personal devotion. 4. Pursue God’s Wisdom Daily – Solomon asked, “Give Your servant an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9). – Continual dependence invites God to guide every decision. 5. Serve, Don’t Be Served – Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Leadership in God’s kingdom is measured by how well we lift others. 6. Guard the Heart – Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Power exposes hidden motives; constant self-examination is vital. 7. Use Influence for Kingdom Purposes – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 calls the influential to “be rich in good deeds… storing up treasure for themselves.” – Opportunities to bless, advocate, and disciple are part of the trust. Living It Out: Practical Steps • Start and end each day acknowledging God’s ownership of the role. • Maintain accountability—invite trusted believers to speak into decisions and character. • Schedule rhythms of Sabbath and Scripture intake to keep priorities aligned. • Leverage visibility to testify about Christ, not about personal accomplishments. • Budget resources (time, money, connections) intentionally for the good of others. Cautionary Tales: When Elevation Was Mishandled • Solomon later let foreign wives turn his heart (1 Kings 11:1-4). • King Uzziah grew proud and was struck with leprosy (2 Chron 26:16-21). • Nebuchadnezzar boasted, then lost his sanity until he honored God (Daniel 4:30-37). These accounts warn that elevation unmanaged by humility invites downfall. Encouraging Models of Faithful Influence • Joseph—used authority in Egypt to save nations (Genesis 41:39-57). • Esther—risked status to protect her people (Esther 4:14-16). • Daniel—maintained integrity and prayer habits under multiple regimes (Daniel 6:10-28). Their common thread: steadfast allegiance to God over personal security. Final Thoughts When God lifts a believer to prominence, the right response is continual gratitude, humble service, vigilant heart-keeping, and purposeful alignment with His kingdom. In doing so, the position becomes a platform for God’s glory rather than personal gain, reflecting the pattern God intended when He first exalted Solomon. |
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