Chapter 4: King Solomon

Chapter 4: King Solomon
The Second Decision: I Will Seek Wisdom

1. King Solomon says, “We, as humans, are always in a process of change. Therefore, we might as well guide the direction in which we change.” How will the decision to “seek wisdom” help you guide the direction in which you change?
Ultimately, seeking wisdom is turning to God's Word and not relying on my own sinful self. God's Word is a light to my path. If I spend time studying it, I will be well equipped to handle situations that I would not be able to handle on my own.

2. Why does Andrews consider the people with whom we associate to be a critical component to seeking wisdom?
When we choose people to hang around, we must consider how they make decisions. If they are self-absorbed, then it goes against what I know is right for me. When I hand around people who in turn, help direct me according to God's Word, then I know they are worth being around. This is where accountability is at it's best. Relying on other brothers and sisters in Christ, true wisdom can be learned.

3. What point is King Solomon making when he directs David to understand that “serving is a way we can place value on one another”? He says, “A wise man is a server.” Why?
By choosing to serve one another, we begin to take the focus off of us and turn that focus towards others. We recognize others strengths and weaknesses that can help us know how to offer back our strengths to help them, and receive strength from other in areas that we are weak. Being other-focused helps remove you from the center of attention and builds stronger character.

Serving can be compared to the story of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30: The comparison of the master (God/Jesus) to the servants (you and me). We are the servants and God loans His resources to us. Everything belongs to God. Our very lives are on loan from God. Our days are in His hands. God has given us our bodies, mind, personality, and soul. All our possessions, abilities, and days are on loan from Him. God owns this world and everything and everyone in it. But, what we do with it is our responsibility. We are entrusted with a lot, but not necessarily entitled to it. It is our job to use whatever God has given us, even if it is just a small amount, and to grow what God has given us.

God expects us to work and to serve. He doesn't want us to bury what he has given us. Whether it is a little or a lot, God is equally happy with those who invest in His kingdom. And if you are faithful with what God has given you, He will trust you with even more.

What type of people are you looking to for leadership?
People with integrity, someone with a bit stronger values that I hold, so I can be sharpened. Someone who has big dreams for their family, who are driving in the same direction of us.

God moves mountains to create the opportunity of His choosing. It is up to you to be ready to move yourself.