In what ways can we demonstrate humility like Solomon in leadership roles? Solomon’s Starting Point 1 Kings 3:7: “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am but a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.” Solomon stands at the threshold of kingship and freely confesses three things: • God put him in leadership (“You have made Your servant king”). • He remains God’s servant, not His replacement (“Your servant”). • He feels inadequate (“I am but a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in”). That open admission is humility in action—an attitude every leader can imitate. Practical Marks of Humble Leadership • Admit need and ask for wisdom. – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” • Keep the heart of a servant. – Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” • Treat responsibility as stewardship, not ownership. – 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • Stay teachable and open to correction. – Proverbs 9:9: “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still.” • Seek counsel instead of relying on solitary judgment. – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Elevate God’s agenda over personal success. – Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” • Lead by example in integrity and obedience. – Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Give God public credit for every victory. – Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” Scriptural Snapshots That Echo Solomon’s Humility • Moses—Exodus 3:11: “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh…?” • Gideon—Judges 6:15: “My clan is the weakest… and I am the least in my father’s house.” • Paul—2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our competence comes from God.” • Christ—Philippians 2:7–8: “He emptied Himself… He humbled Himself and became obedient to death.” Steps for Today’s Leaders 1. Begin each decision with prayerful dependence, mirroring Solomon’s plea for discernment (1 Kings 3:9). 2. Keep a written record of answered prayers and lessons learned to remind you Who supplies success. 3. Invite frank feedback from trusted believers; humility grows where accountability thrives. 4. Celebrate team accomplishments publicly, but direct praise to the Lord privately and publicly. 5. Regularly study passages on humility (e.g., 1 Peter 5:5–6) to keep the heart soft. 6. Serve in unnoticed tasks occasionally—cleaning, setup, visitation—to guard against entitlement. 7. Evaluate every ambition with this filter: “Will this magnify God’s wisdom or my own image?” Encouraging Takeaway Solomon’s humble acknowledgment of dependence opened the door for unparalleled wisdom. The same God who honored that posture delights to guide leaders today who confess, “I am Your servant, and I need You.” |
    |