So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)
By placing men and women into leadership positions, the Lord exercises great trust. Leading others is an enormous responsibility, and God has always intended to provide strength, courage, and direction to the leaders He chooses. He never intends for any leader to fly solo.
Unfortunately, too many people try to do just that. They see leading others as an opportunity for status and control. They enjoy the sense of authority and power but give little thought to the welfare of those under their charge. Nor do they consider their responsibility to the Lord.
King Solomon was not such a leader, especially in two important ways. First, he understood that those he would govern did not belong to him, but rather to God. They were the Lord’s people.
Second, Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to govern wisely. He knew he could not rule effectively without the Lord’s help.
Are you presently in a leadership role? Do you realize that the Commander of the Universe stands ready to support you?
The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.
