Wisdom and Work

In 1 Kings 3 and II Chronicles 1 we read the story of Solomon coming to power after the death of his father, King David.  I can't imagine the pressure involved in following the legendary David.  Many might try to do it by "wowing the crowd".  Solomon proves his worthiness to be his father's successor by crying out to God, confessing his inability to to do the job God called him to do and asking for wisdom from above.  Lessor men, trying to be more, might employ those to make them look good and some would even try to prove themselves in some "real man" exploits.  Solomon seems content to place himself firmly in the hands of Almighty God.  He would either rise or fall by God's power.  

For those of us following the principles applied by Solomon in an effort to achieve good leadership skills, we might think Solomon came to success without much personal effort.  Nothing could be farther  from the truth.  It seems that striking a balance in spiritual matters is difficult.  My good friend Dr. Bill Thomas once said, "it seems we go from ditch to ditch but can't live in the middle of the road."  The Lord wants his followers to be just that, followers.  Yet, he wants us to become humble leaders of men while continuing to remain humble subjects of the King.  It is in the leading of men that we must get out of the comfort of our nest.  Many lessons have been taught from the comfort of the University lectern without proving ones theories out in the day to day world.  Many sermons have been preached from the warm fuzzy place of the pulpit without personally seeing them work in real life.  Solomon cried out for wisdom and strength but after his prayer he got to work building.  The Temple that he built according to the plans handed down by David lasted over 400 years.  You don't build something that lasts 400 years without hard, hard work.  

Solomon was not a passive leader.  He had learned well watching his father lead.  There is a time to pray and a time to act.  I love the NLT translation of II Chronicles 1:1.  It says, "Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful."  Solomon took firm control of his Kingdom!  Once we get a clear plan or vision from God we must not camp there and build three tabernacles.  We must not get too comfortable in that lofty place of revelation, we must take action.  True Biblical patterns of success requires a dependence upon God for under girding of the bridge and a willingness to boldly lead our group over that bridge in faith.