In First Kings 3 Solomon gets more from God than he asked for! Solomon asked for discernment but was promised success and influence. Thus, influence is a gift from God.
A New Leader
The conversation in First Kings 3 gives us a glimpse of what was top of mind for a new leader. As it turns out, Solomon is about to assume a leadership role.
Moreover, he’s handed a blank check by God. Thus, in 1 Kings 3.5 we read “ask for whatever you want.”
Solomon’s response, in 1 Kings 3.9, was to ask for a listening heart to discern right from wrong. In turn, as a result of listening and discerning, he could lead. Hence the phrase “… judge your people …”
By the way, the mental model here is sow – reap, or ask and receive. In fact, Solomon sowed reverence, 1 Kings 3.4. As a result, he reaped God’s grace, 1 Kings 3.10. In short, the grace was in the form of God’s pleasure on his life.
A Decision Model
Therefore, what was top of mind for this new leader was a simple, three-step decision model, as stated in 1 Kings 3.9. In addition, he asked that his decision process receive divine insight. So, here’s the decision model:
First, listen in order to understand. Or, hear with both the head and the heart.
Second, discern or differentiate the true from the false. Or, signal from noise. Thus, think clearly.
Third, judge or form an opinion about what needs to be done. As a result, the judging then leads to decisive actions.
The Decision Model in Practice
As it turns out, the best way to implement this decision model is through practice! Hence, the quandary presented by the two women who show up next, 1 Kings 3.16.
So then, you know the response is the split-the-baby decision. Basically, Solomon listened, 1 Kings 3.17-22. Then, he discerned there was no clear way forward, 1 Kings 3.23. Finally, his judgment was to force an emotional response, 1 Kings 3.24-25.
In fact, the emotional response by the real mother of the infant, in 1 Kings 3.26, enabled Solomon to discern what was true.
Sound Decisions and Influence
So, what happened after this decision? Well, the response was immediate. See 1 Kings 3.28.
Actually, Solomon’s influence grew dramatically because word of the decision spread quickly. As it turned out, those around him saw that the “wisdom of God was in him to make sound decisions” 1 Kings 3.28.
Moreover, in 1 Kings 4.34 we read that Solomon’s influence rapidly spread to other leaders “… from all kings of the earth …” because of the wisdom he exhibited.
Ultimately, multiplication of my personal influence is a gift from God. Likewise, God multiplies a leader’s influence.
Influence is a Gift from God
Why so much influence? Because “God gave Solomon an abundance of wisdom and experiential insight …” 1 Kings 4.29.
Leadership Insight
The influence of a leader grows rapidly when the leader uses good judgment to form sound decisions.
Moreover, the leader’s good judgment is reinforced by an effectively functioning leadership team that is able to vet different opinions.
Thus, unless you are Solomon, lean on your leadership team for sound advice!
Actually, a strong leadership team finds ways to constructively manage conflict, thus moving forward in the face of challenge.
In addition, by effectively involving the leadership team, the leader expands his or her circle of competence.
Thus, influential leaders find ways to draw from the strengths of others to build insight and discernment. As such, their sound decisions benefit their organization and their surrounding communities. Be that leader!
Dysfunctional Leadership
Unfortunately, the influence of a leader erodes rapidly when the leader shoots from the hip. And ignores the guidance of experts. Or, substitutes conspiracy theories for hard facts.
1). Arrogantly careless leaders ignore facts. Don’t be that leader!
2). Moreover, some leaders surround themselves with a leadership team that say exactly what the leader wants to hear. As a result, the outcomes are disastrous.
For an example of a dysfunctional leadership team, see 1 Kings 22.1-40. Focus on 1 Kings 22.22 because that’s the core of this story.
There we read a frightening story of how God purposefully surrounded a godless leader with a leadership team who were all liars.
Insecure leaders have a fixed mindset. Basically, they only want to hear what they already believe. Don’t be that leader!
3). What’s even worse than a dysfunctional team? Well, some leaders are driven by paranoia. Thus, everyone and everything has a hidden agenda that’s always against the leader!
For an example of a paranoid leader, see 1 Samuel 18.5-12 for Saul’s erratic response to David’s success.
Thus, an unstable leader constantly attack others.
As a result, everything has to be about the leader rather than about the organization, its employees, and its suppliers and customers. Don’t be that leader!
Influential Leadership
Giant egos, paranoia, and dysfunctional leadership teams are indeed dangerous! Don’t be that leader!
Conversely, as a person of faith, be consciously guided by God’s presence in your life. Thus, don’t separate out your faith life and your professional life.
Instead, be like Solomon who made his faith a vital part of his professional duties. Be that leader!
Ok, you say, that worked for Solomon because he was so wise. But, how about the rest of us “average” leaders?
Well, how about the insecure, complaining, and reluctant Moses? Remember how he was pushed into a position of leadership? What, and give up these few sheep?!
Instead of making excuses about those “other” people, review Moses’ conversation with God in Exodus 33.9-23. There we read how Moses received God grace by simply asking for God’s presence to be with him and with the rest of that nation.
Wherefore, as a person of faith, allow God to multiply your influence as you carefully apply the precepts to your leadership practice.
And remember, leadership influence is a gift from God.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com