For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been… Now the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him regarding this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not observe what the LORD had commanded. 1 Kings 11:4, 9-10
Legacy fractures if it is not built on a firm foundation. Solomon would choose a path that led to the success of Israel with temporal wealth and success but, in so doing, would sacrifice the principles his father spent a lifetime living by. Solomon would use all God gave him to create a worldly legacy that would last for one generation but be remembered for all generations. What led to Solomon building a successful worldly legacy but ended in shuttering a spiritual legacy left by his father David?
The ones being succeeded are not responsible for the decisions made by the next generation, but they are accountable for how they prepare the people who follow after them. Consider some of the “lessons of leadership” earned by one king vs. the gifted entitlements granted to the next king.
Picked and Proven vs. Anointed and Appointed
David sang songs to God. David was a worshiper who lived in the wilderness for years before becoming a king; Solomon was raised a prince who inherited a crown. There is no shortcut to success; the stripes earned that define a person’s character come from struggle, not inherited success.
Knowledge isn’t necessarily knowing. David wrote to God; Solomon wrote about God. It’s possible to have great knowledge of someone and still not know them. It’s possible to know the Bible cover to cover and not know God.
David embraced what was in God’s heart, not just what was in his hand. David followed God’s heart and inherited everything; Solomon received the gift of wisdom from God’s hand and eventually lost the most precious thing. If you only seek what’s in a person’s hand but not their heart, mentorship has little value.
God’s will happens in your life only if you want it to. David’s sense of well-being and emotional equilibrium was dependent on what God thought; Solomon’s was on what the people wanted. David was steadfast not only in devotion but in keeping God’s ways; Solomon was quick to intermarry with other nations and succumb to spousal pressure to set up places for idol worship.
God gravitates to seekers. David sought God’s strategy when fighting wars and won; he grew up a “seeker” who learned to PURSUE AND LISTEN. Solomon had God’s wisdom granted to him and eventually would use it to serve himself; David pursued God’s direction and followed it to serve the people.
God observes when you are tempted to see if you will choose your desires over His way. David was watchful on the drift of his heart and quick to repent when he went off course. Solomon allowed, observed, and was fascinated by the seduction of his heart. While David was aware of God’s opinion and adjusted himself, Solomon was sensitive to his feelings and explored the depths of pleasure until they consumed him.
God has a “wilderness training program” for you; what is it? David paid his dues learning to lead people and lean on God during his wilderness years before and after he met King Saul. Solomon walked into kingship after growing up in the pleasures of the palace. One builds character; the other, a comfort zone hard to leave.
God watches to see if you will choose His commands over your own comfort. David honored the role of the priest; Solomon grew dismissive of spiritual leadership when they conflicted with his desires. It’s possible to mistake the blessing of God in your life with the approval of God as both Solomon and Balaam did.
There is danger in pursuing the prosperity that comes from the hand of God while leaving the heart of God behind.
REFLECT TO CONNECT:
- Why did the Apostle Paul say in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good morals”?
- What are some of the “trappings” that have led you off track before?
- What safeguards can a leader put in place to ensure they are not seduced away from pursuing “knowing” God for the prosperity that comes from knowing about God?
Principle: Successful succession planning must include a transfer of the heart, not just the wallet.
