Every leader will experience the joy and challenge of assuming a new position at some point during their leadership life.
Read 1 Kings 2 and 3.
Israel was in a time of transition from David’s leadership to Solomon’s leadership. David had built on his predecessor Saul’s accomplishments and the nation had tremendous wealth, military power, respect and momentum. The time of transition from one leader to another presents one of the most challenging times to continue momentum. The challenge was to successfully take the reins from his father and ensure momentum continued through a smooth transition.
Solomon was probably about 18 when he became king. His father gave him everything he needed to start his reign: a stable kingdom, plentiful resources, wise counsel and a public endorsement. Even in his youth and with these resources from David, Solomon knew he needed godly character, personal wisdom and an understanding heart to lead and judge God’s people. Solomon’s cry to God was
“Now, O Lord, my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
Leaders can learn a few things about assuming a new position from Solomon’s prayer: Solomon realized his rise to power was a direct result of a decision by God. Even though he was the son of the king and David’s choice as heir to the throne, he did not take an arrogant position assuming he had a right to this position. Psalm 75:7(TLB) says,
“For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God.”
Solomon realized a new leadership role would take effort on his part. He acknowledged before God that he had duties to perform in the role God had given him.
Solomon acknowledged the scope of the job i.e. these were God’s people and too numerous to number. Understanding the big picture is critical to long-term success in a new role.
Solomon realized his current leadership skill and all his natural abilities would not be enough to successfully lead the nation. He would have to grow as a leader to meet the needs of the job.
Solomon understood he needed discernment and character more than all other resources to successfully lead.
According to Proverbs 3:21-26 (TLB) leaders should
Leaders with godly character strive to live with each facet of life under God’s dominion.
According to Proverbs 3:21-26 (TLB) leaders should
“Have two goals: wisdom – that is knowing and doing right – and common sense.Don’t let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy, and are a feather in your cap. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. With them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you; He protects you.”
Godly leaders know that the wisdom of Christ is very different from the wisdom of the world and they do not confuse the two.
Tags: Momentum, Transition
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