1 Kings 3:9 “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

I have often thought about how Solomon made this very wise, humble request, and then he strayed from the Lord in his later years, but just now I noticed something. He asked for the ability to distinguish right and wrong, but it was in the context of governing, not for his personal life. In other words, he didn’t ask for a heart to do right rather than wrong. It would appear that his decisions in relation to governing were indeed very wise, but in the matter of his wives he chose political expediency, that is, human wisdom, over following God. That’s why his personal kingdom flourished but his sons had no fear of the Lord, and so his heir lost half the kingdom. In other words, Solomon asked for wisdom for his job, but not for his personal life. That actually is a mistake a lot of people make. Men in particular are adept at compartmentalizing their lives, but God wants all of us. We get the full blessings that Christ purchased for us on the cross only when we give all of ourselves to Him, not limiting Him to Sunday mornings, for example.

This is something I have known in theory most of my life, but it took quite a while before I really started acting on it. I’ve got to be careful that I don’t leave out any pocket of my life or heart in my commitment and obedience to God, and as a pastor, I need to grow the believers in applying the same principle in their own lives. I could list several examples of people who are having that struggle right now! That said, I’ve got to remember the grace shown to me and extend that grace to others, not condemning them but not excusing them either. I must always express the truth in love, both through my words and through my actions. For me, that is very much a part of giving all of myself to God. I’m not to let personal disappointment, and especially not hurt pride, block the flow of God’s grace and love through me to anyone. Writing that, I realize that I try to be careful about that with those close to me, but I am more likely to lash out at someone who wounds me in a casual encounter. There too I am to represent Christ!

Father, a trip like this puts lots of unaccustomed stresses on me, and so it is good training in this issue. Help me come through with flying colors! As You know even better than I do, I have no real hope of doing that without Your guidance and anointing. Help me realize what my part is to play in each of the activities of today, and each day of this trip, so that I will be faithful to accomplish what You desire, but not try to overstep what You intend. May everything that is done and said advance Your kingdom, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!