By Olubunmi Adebayo
*Today, we conclude our discussion on the story of how Solomon as a young king exchanged his seeming human foolishness with the eternal Wisdom of God – making him the wisest king and human being ever.*
*5) SOLOMON WAS A SELFLESS LEADER : HE SHOWED PREFERENCE FOR THE PEOPLE OVER HIMSELF.*
*His statement ….”that I may judge THY people… for who is able to judge THIS THY so great a people?” is a loaded statement.*
*He called the people of Israel “THY people”,ie, “God’s People” — not “my people.” Meaning he recognized and knew that Israel belonged to God.*
*Many leaders today will ask for things that will further their personal interests or perhaps family desires – but not Solomon. He chose wisdom because his heart was for the people, not for himself.*
*6) GOD’S RESPONSE TO SOLOMON’S ASKING RIGHT.*
*When God saw that Solomon’s choice was selfless, He decided to prioritize Solomon’s interest too.*
*1 Kings 3:11-13 :*
*Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment over my people; Behold, I have done according to thy words… And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour…*
*Whoever makes God’s interest his interest, God in return makes the person’s interest, His own interest – no wonder Matt. 6:33 says :*
*_But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you._*
*Solomon sought God’s Wisdom first, and riches and wealth were added to it. Those who seek riches first, often lose it, and vice versa.*
*7) TAKE-AWAY LESSONS FOR EVERYONE :*
*i) Before you ask God for MORE of any virtue, ask Him for WISDOM to manage more – James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”*
*Do you want success in your career? Ask for wisdom to manage the career. Do you want breakthrough in business? Ask for wisdom to manage the breakthrough.*
*ii) Admit you are a nobody before God : God cannot give wisdom to those who think they already know. Humility is the gateway to wisdom — Proverbs 11:2 ….with the lowly is wisdom.*
*James 4:6 -[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.*
*iii) Make service to the people your focus : Be careful of the possessiveness of your prayers and requests to God. When you pray for your family, pray like this : “Lord give me wisdom to raise these children”. And God will be pleased.*
*iv) Seek a heart that gives : Solomon sought God’s Heart for His people. He gave him His package of blessing in return.*
*Solomon chose wisdom because he knew that position without wisdom tends towards frustration, power without wisdom will eventually lead to destruction, and wealth without wisdom will ultimately give birth to vanity.*
*That is why later he wrote in Proverbs 3:13-15 :*
*”Happy is the man that findeth wisdom… She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”*
*As you are reading this, God is still saying to you -“Ask what I shall give thee.”*
*What will you ask? – Money that will finish? Or wisdom that will serve God’s interest and produce money?*
Top of the day to you 👍
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
