Solomon Asks For Wisdom

As I write this morning, I am reading in 2 Chronicles. It is the beginning of Solomon's reign over Israel.  Solomon starts off good. God asks Solomon what he desires and Solomon asks for wisdom to lead God's people. God grants his request and because of the unselfish nature of his request he also adds wealth and other blessings.

7That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

8Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

11God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Solomon was known for his wisdom. I am not far enough in the book of 2 Chronicles to read the story of the two women that are fighting over a child and Solomon commands the child be cut in half, one half to each mother, knowing that the real mother would give the child up to save his life. Solomon had wealth, had many wives and concubines. God blessed him because of his father David and because of his unselfish request.  When I look at the world we live in, are we not selfish? Do we look to consume or can we like Solomon ask for wisdom to lead God's people. Do we look to bless others?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3
Many even in today's society have found success as they valued others and worked to help others. Martin Luther King Jr, worked for the good of society and had tremendous impact on our nation.  Compare MLK to the self serving work of Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton today. I think of Bill Gaither and his work to promote other musicians, he has been blessed in helping others to succeed. I have heard stories of wealthy who consistently gave to others and they seemed to always get more. Our own President Trump has many times used his wealth and good fortune to bless others. Used his private plane to fly a sick child, given opportunity to many others. Here in a man in  our day who has become wealthy and could live in ease his last days, but chose to lead this country for free. He donates his salary to others.  He is under constant battle, just listen to the tweets and facebook posts. He chose to try and lead this country in a better direction and has had to fight for us every step of the way. Do we live selfish lives or are we concerned about others. God was pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom to lead God's people Israel. I believe God is pleased when we try to serve others and make this world a better place.  We can't help everyone, but we can bless those we come in contact with. Like the man walking along the seashore, tossing the starfish that were stranded out of the water. He threw them back in. There were thousands and he couldn't help them all, but it made a difference to the ones he did come across. There is wisdom in helping others. the story is told of a farmer that consistently raised the best corn crop. He blessed his neighbors with his superior seed and in turn his farm was surrounded with better crops. Any cross pollination from the neighboring farms was from his own seed and in turn he still had the best crops. We are to be God's hands and feet.   God bless. LVZ