Leader of All Leaders

There are times when a leader steps up and has many strong characteristics such as deep wisdom and clarity of insight to lead others. Sometimes these types of leaders are not famous or known by many – they just lead from where they are. I do notice leaders like this when my path crosses theirs. Sometimes people don’t set out to be leaders, but it’s in them and it comes out. Some celebrities are leaders, but it’s mostly because of their success. I do remember sir Charles Barkley in his younger days as a NBA star saying that he didn’t want to be a leader, but he really didn’t have a choice. The spotlight on leaders is sometimes blinding to them, especially if they were not prepared for it. I believe good leaders are built and it takes some time.

Solomon was a leader who was built over time. He watched his Dad, King David lead Israel. Solomon probably learned the history of his Mom and David’s connection and the pain, struggle and fall out from David’s sin. He also saw how his Dad recovered from that failure. I see Solomon was a leader of leaders. The Queen of Sheba visited him at the height of his success. She had heard of him, but wanted to see for herself. Check this out…

5 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 6 But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. 7 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 8 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.”

22 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. (2 Chronicles 9:5-8; 22-23 NIV)

I really love studying the success of Solomon because all the glory goes to God. His wisdom and wealth came from the Lord. I really hated that his leadership turned to self-centered serving. He chose women of other cultures over following the Lord. He was led away from God by his own choice.

It’s another case, where even the greatest leaders must be followers. Great leaders can’t make their leadership about themselves. Great leaders must be aware of who they are leading and where they are leading too. I think it’s tragic when leaders loose sign of their call and the position that they’ve been entrusted with. This happens quite often in the world of politics. Great leaders with the best of intentions become corrupted & deceived by the perceived power that they hold. Leadership is a delicate skill that can’t be traded and bought like a commodity. I believe great leaders are followers of God first. If they are a leader, they were a follower first and they must not forget that.

Pressing On!

Dwayne