“Here is what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?” – King Solomon (I Kings 3:9, MSG)
History has revealed that one of the most successful national leaders was King Solomon who ruled Israel in 971-931 B.C. People from other nations would travel to see his wealth and experience his wisdom. We often learn about people like Solomon, and then we try to strategize how to reach similar levels of success. We have a plethora of books today that account past leader’s success strategies and how we can do the same. However, Solomon’s success did not lie in a formula he calculated on his own. What is the secret of his success?
1. Successful Leadership: He admitted needing help
Solomon became King at the age of 20. He describes himself as “a little child” who “did not know how to carry out his duties.” (I Kings 3:7 NIV) Solomon had a humble attitude at this point in his life. This transition to being King revealed to Solomon that he did not have the answers nor all of the abilities. He did not focus on puffing up his ego to build his own confidence. Instead, He admitted needing help.
2. Successful Leadership: He sought to listen
Instead of devising a strategy, He chose to seek direction. He went to the place of wisdom that he had learned from his father, King David. He sought wisdom from God. God answered by asking Solomon what he wanted. He could have asked for anything. But his humble attitude led him to ask for a “God-listening heart.”
Leadership is a journey, not a one-time destination. He knew he needed help every moment of each day. He did not ask for a talent he could wield on his own. He asked for a relationship that was dependent on listening in each moment.
3. Successful Leadership: His heart passion was to lead people well for their betterment
He asked for a listening heart so he could lead the people well and to lead them to good, not evil. Solomon also had the right motive. What is your heart’s passion and does it connect to your mission in life? We hear most clearly connected to our passion.
4. Successful Leadership: His focus was on mission, not on personal success
When we focus on mission, results follow. When we focus on results, we often get led astray. Solomon referred to the people as “God’s people.” He knew where results actually lie. Everything for him rested on a power greater than himself. As he listened, followed God’s direction, God would provide.
So often we go backwards compared to Solomon’s way. We first define our results and then seek a strategy on our own to reach it. We believe in our own power, feel the weight of our success on our own shoulders, and live hectic lives.
Have you discovered a clear purpose for your life or are you trying to gain success by someone else’s standards? What motives are guiding your decisions? Do you take time to listen for clarity or are running between activities? Do you ask for help?