ESOCS Devotional 21 September
TEXT: 1 Kings 3:1-13 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.” 1 Kings 3:3
Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. It is the ability or result of an ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. It is both the ability to discern what is best and the strength of character to act upon that knowledge. Early in his life, Solomon had the sense to recognize his need for wisdom, and God granted his request. There are, however, characteristics we must possess to receive godly wisdom. Solomon possessed these characteristics and God granted his request. These characteristics are espoused below.
1. Love God and walk according to His commandments. From our memory verse, we saw that Solomon loved God; he also walked according to the words of his father David, who instructed him that he should walk in the laws of God (1 kings 2:3-4).
2. Recognize God as the source of all blessings. Solomon did so (1 Kings 3:6). God is the source of good gifts, and every perfect gift is from Him (James 1:17). We must know this and act as such.
3. Humility is important factor. We must be humble to receive God. Solomon was humble even though a king. He recognized that he was a little child who does not know what to do (1Kings 3:7). We must possess humility if we want to receive wisdom from God.
4. Appreciate your responsibility. God gives wisdom to enable us apply it in discharging all our duties, especially those in authority. Solomon recognized that he had a great task ahead of him; he was ruling over a “great people”, “chosen” by God for His purpose (1Kings 3:8).
5. Unselfish attitude is important. Solomon was selfless, considerate, and magnanimous. He put others first: he could have asked for things that would be of primary benefit to himself -long life, riches, or the life of his enemies (1 Kings 3:11); but he asked for something that would benefit others (1 Kings 3:9). The wisdom of the world focuses on self-promotion and self-preservation. The wisdom from above seeks the good of others.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
If Leaders possess these qualities, they will also gain wisdom as they follow the source of wisdom-God. Let us be mindful of this example, and imitate Solomon.
CHALLENGES
- Have you discovered the qualities God endowed you with for His service?
PRAYER POINT:
- Ask God to help you understand the qualities you possess so that you put them into action.
FURTHER READING: Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12
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ESOCS Devotional 21 September
