What lessons from Solomon's life can we apply to our leadership roles? Starting Well: Seeking God’s Wisdom • 2 Chronicles 9:31 concludes Solomon’s story, but it all began with a prayer: “Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to govern Your people” (1 Kings 3:9). • God answered: “I will give you a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). • Leadership application: – Begin every assignment by admitting you don’t have what it takes on your own. – Ask specifically for wisdom that discerns “between good and evil,” not merely for success. – Remember that true leadership insight is a gift, not a personal achievement (James 1:5). Guarding the Heart Throughout Leadership • Early victories didn’t guarantee a strong finish. “When Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4). • Proverbs 4:23—words Solomon himself penned—warns: “Guard your heart with all diligence.” • Leadership application: – Keep daily, personal devotion non-negotiable; success cannot substitute for intimacy with God. – Identify influences that could steal affection from the Lord and eliminate them quickly. – Surround yourself with voices that call you back to wholehearted devotion (Hebrews 3:13). Using Influence for Worship, Not Self • Solomon’s temple dedication (2 Chronicles 5–7) shows vast resources funneled toward God’s glory. • The Queen of Sheba declared, “Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:9). • Leadership application: – Channel organizational wealth, creativity, and talent into purposes that honor God first. – Let excellence in visible projects point observers to God’s “eternal love,” not to personal brilliance. Finishing Well Matters • 2 Chronicles 9:31 simply reports Solomon’s burial—no commentary on the spiritual erosion already described in Kings. Scripture leaves leaders to ponder the silence. • Ecclesiastes 12:13–14—likely penned late in Solomon’s life—summarizes the ultimate audit: “Fear God and keep His commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment.” • Leadership application: – Evaluate success by how you will answer to God at the end, not merely by quarterly results. – Build accountability structures now that will still protect you when you’re “old” (1 Kings 11:4). Leaving a Strengthened Legacy • “His son Rehoboam reigned in his place” (2 Chronicles 9:31). Rehoboam’s early folly (2 Chronicles 10) hints that Solomon prepared the palace more than he prepared his successor. • Leadership application: – Invest in discipleship, not just infrastructure. – Model obedience transparently; future leaders learn more from our habits than our memos. – Aim to pass on a kingdom unified around God, not fractured around personalities (Psalm 78:4-7). |
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