1 Kings 3:5-14
You are faced with a major decision. It is hugely important and will affect not only you and your family, but the future of others in your church and community. There are several options, one of which will mean you will be answerable to people who are neither Christian, nor guided by Christian principles. At such times we long for someone to tell us what to do.
Wisdom is defined by the dictionary as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. Ruling the nation of Israel he was faced with many major decisions. He had the opportunity to influence his family and his nation by the choices he made.
He started his reign with the realization that he was inadequate. “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties” (1 Kings 3:7). Think of leaders today who almost sell themselves to get votes. They become the great “I am….”. Not too many would get far suggesting they were vulnerable and unqualified for the post. Whether he recognized it or not, God had already given Solomon wisdom to know he couldn’t do this job alone; he needed Divine help!
Solomon also knew that sibling rivalry placed him at the low end of the totem pole. Why David chose him to succeed as next king might have been a mystery, if Solomon had not known that God was in charge. “Oh Lord, my God, You have made your servant king” (:7). Now he appeals to God for the ability “to distinguish between right and wrong” (:9).
God is pleased! His answer gives hope to us all. If we ask “Thy will be done” God Himself will give us a wise and discerning heart, just as He did for Solomon (:12). Why is this the key to decision-making? It is because we acknowledge the supremacy of Infinite, found in God alone. Solomon discovered what God meant when He said “….and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, 1 Kings 3:13, 14).
In Solomon’s mind the kingdom of God came first, not the kingdom of Israel. He could not govern without God’s infinite wisdom. Why do we suppose we can run our own lives without the wisdom of God? He who placed us in a given environment, longs to give us the resources with which to cope, and not only that, but to distinguish what is pleasing in His sight.
God wants to have control of my life, because He can fill it with worthy thoughts and feelings. His provision comes to those who believe, who are then indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We need to pray for one another, “Asking God to fill you [us] with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9) Why? Because God is limitless in His ability to fill us with all wisdom.
Reflection:
When faced with issues of right and wrong, how do we proceed? Does the culture of our day dictate our decisions? Are we led by our feelings? Do we consult Sovereign God, the One infinite in wisdom? Is my number one priority to please God by the choices I make?
Do we believe the words found in James 1:5?
Inspiring Joy 