For Others

⁶And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. ⁷ Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. ⁸ And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. ⁹ Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” ¹⁰ The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 

- 1 Kings 3:6-10

     I feel that sometimes Solomon is lost in David's wake. I hear so many references to David and his Godliness and his example, but very few references to Solomon. Like David, Solomon had his ups and downs too. He is well-known mostly because if his many wives and because of his knowledge and riches. The story of God granting him this knowledge gives us a glimpse inside of this great man. Solomon is given a chance that many people would kill to have. God offers to give Solomon a gift. He could have asked for riches or women or long life or revenge or a million other things. He could have even asked for wisdom for himself. However, he asks for wisdom to rule God's people. He asks for something that will benefit those under his leadership. If this is not the sign of a true leader I don't know what is. I have to ask myself how often I actually desire something from God that will benefit others. I'm so consumed with my needs and desires and my struggles. This passage shows me that God is pleased when I look past myself and desire for my life to benefit others. My Savior and Example Jesus Christ gave up what He wanted in order to benefit others. What is it that my life needs so that I may impact those around me? I'm not always sure. Guess I'll pray for wisdom like Solomon, that God may show me how to lead others into His Kingdom.