Week of Monday September 23 – September 29
Just Ask - Man as Provider
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.” 1 Kings 3:9-12 ESV
The sheer amount of information available in this digital age can make it hard to discern what is true or useful. Whenever you open a web browser and search for a topic, you are bombarded with thousands of options. How do you decide which ones to trust? For tasks like car repair or basic carpentry, you can most likely rely on the top search results. However, if you are researching a candidate for public office in order to understand their beliefs and values, the top results might not provide the insight you need. In fact, they might give you misleading or even biased information.
Search engine developers use a complex algorithm to generate those search results. Some results may be based on your previous searches, but the developers’ own preferences may influence others. In other words, the developers may be presenting you with options that align with their views in hopes of getting you to think and act like them. So, how should you proceed? How can you discern which link is best to click on, and once on the web page, how do you evaluate the information you are being told?
As the new king of Israel, Solomon felt an acute need for wisdom. He assumed the mantle of leadership with some fear and trepidation because of his clear-eyed assessment of the enormity of the task before him. In our passage, God Himself asks the new king a profound question: “What I shall give you?” Solomon wisely asked for discernment to guide the nation of Israel.
God granted Solomon’s request for wisdom, and the king quickly put the gift to good use. One example of his wisdom is seen in how he handled a dispute between two women who both claimed to be the mother of the same baby (vv. 16-28). Soon, Solomon would become world-renowned for his God-given wisdom. Yet sadly, King Solomon would not always exercise this gift. Knowing the right thing to do is one thing; acting on that understanding is another.
The same God who granted young King Solomon wisdom knows that we need it as well. James declares: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). So, if we desire wisdom from God, all we have to do is ask. But we must also have the faith to believe it and the will to live it.
Men, our families need God’s wisdom, and we can help provide it. They need to see us seeking it and using it in a God-honoring way. So, when you need God’s wisdom on how to live and how to lead, just ask!
Just Ask - Man as Provider
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.” 1 Kings 3:9-12 ESV
The sheer amount of information available in this digital age can make it hard to discern what is true or useful. Whenever you open a web browser and search for a topic, you are bombarded with thousands of options. How do you decide which ones to trust? For tasks like car repair or basic carpentry, you can most likely rely on the top search results. However, if you are researching a candidate for public office in order to understand their beliefs and values, the top results might not provide the insight you need. In fact, they might give you misleading or even biased information.
Search engine developers use a complex algorithm to generate those search results. Some results may be based on your previous searches, but the developers’ own preferences may influence others. In other words, the developers may be presenting you with options that align with their views in hopes of getting you to think and act like them. So, how should you proceed? How can you discern which link is best to click on, and once on the web page, how do you evaluate the information you are being told?
As the new king of Israel, Solomon felt an acute need for wisdom. He assumed the mantle of leadership with some fear and trepidation because of his clear-eyed assessment of the enormity of the task before him. In our passage, God Himself asks the new king a profound question: “What I shall give you?” Solomon wisely asked for discernment to guide the nation of Israel.
God granted Solomon’s request for wisdom, and the king quickly put the gift to good use. One example of his wisdom is seen in how he handled a dispute between two women who both claimed to be the mother of the same baby (vv. 16-28). Soon, Solomon would become world-renowned for his God-given wisdom. Yet sadly, King Solomon would not always exercise this gift. Knowing the right thing to do is one thing; acting on that understanding is another.
The same God who granted young King Solomon wisdom knows that we need it as well. James declares: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). So, if we desire wisdom from God, all we have to do is ask. But we must also have the faith to believe it and the will to live it.
Men, our families need God’s wisdom, and we can help provide it. They need to see us seeking it and using it in a God-honoring way. So, when you need God’s wisdom on how to live and how to lead, just ask!
- How would you rate your decision-making skills? Are you seeking the wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of man?
- Do your children and grandchildren know where you turn for direction in life? Are you providing guidance to your family from the wisdom of God’s Word so they can benefit from its truth and learn from your example?
- Humbly ask God to give you wisdom and the will to live it out in a way that honors Him and inspires your family to do the same.