TEXT: 1 KINGS 3: 5-13
Solomon
delighted himself in the lord; he was concerned about the work that God placed
in his hand. (Leadership) He does not want to do God’s work nonchalantly; he
appreciated the privilege of God choosing him to rule over God’s people. He
acknowledge this in his statement “I am only a child and do not know how to carry
out my duties” he does not want to fail God in his duties, so he forgot about
himself and committed himself body, soul and spirit into the work of God.
Solomon gave priority to his duties rather than the title.
The
lesson here is that it is not enough for you to occupy a position, but how you
carry out your duties is what makes you a success. Solomon was passionate about
the work of God. (To rule over Israel) When God asked him what he wanted, he
did not think of personal blessing like, house, wealth etc. he did not ask for
wealth that will make people to respect him more. Rather he asked for divine
assistance to be successful in his duties.
Are
you passionate about the work of God in your care? When it comes to making a
choice about God’s work and your own work, which one comes first? Are your
desires only on what will benefit you materially? Can you go extra mile to do
the work of God? Let us learn from Solomon that made his duties prominent in
his heart than his own material needs. We should make it a point of duty not to
fail God in our duties. It is a privilege to work for God, if God has placed
anything in your hands, do not relax; keep the fire burning!
Acquire
relevant knowledge that will make you to excel in that particular field. “Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human
masters”. (Colossians 3:23) Solomon did not relax after he was anointed king
over Israel. He does not want to be known as “ordinary king” but a king with
difference. This could be seen in his reply to God in 1 Kings 3:9 he told God to
empower him to be able to carry out his duties successfully.
Some
believers are guilty of not doing their duties to their best ability, once they
have been given a position; they see themselves as “semi gods” They will not
make effort to be successful in that position, all they are interested in is
the “title” of the office. As a leader; you are being called to service, if you
cannot play your role well in the position you are holding, there is no respect
for you. Nobody respects a failure.
If
you delight yourself in God and commit yourself to His work, He will be
committed to you in return. God told Solomon in verse 11-13 that because he did
not ask for wealth, death of his enemies, or long life. He would give him what
he asked for, and He will also add to him what he did not ask for.
God
was happy with Solomon because He could see sign of dedication and commitment
in him.
Solomon’s
dedication to the work of God earned him more blessing than he asked for. If we
dedicate ourselves to the work of God; and leave Him to take care of our needs,
He will surprise us with blessing than we could ever think or ask for.
(Ephesians 3:20)
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