Living in the Spirit
August 14, 2018
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’…Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’ –1 Kings 3:5, 9-14
Desiring an understanding mind and knowing the difference between good and evil are valuable assets for any leader. Seeing the breadth and depth of differing opinion and honing out a reasonable compromise is the greatest challenge of governance. Particularly in a world where powering one’s selfish choices over more prudent practices without regard to negative impacts, they might have on others is the admired approach. Politics is not football. Football is a game that tests the strength and wits of its players. Fun to watch and if anyone on either team gets hurt everyone pauses in concern for the player’s wellbeing.
Politics while often played like a game is real. Ideally, the goal of politics is to provide for the Common Good for everyone which strengthens each citizen’s potential for life success. While politics has always had a seamy side to greater or lesser extents, it should not be a dirty word. We have allowed it to become a game among players who can marshal the most money and throw it about supporting special interests whose primary concern has no relationship to the Common Good. We are thus conditioned to believe information that we know are lies and support causes that ultimately hurt us. The perpetrators could care less.
Solomon’s wisdom and wealth are well documented. The legacy of greed that resulted, however, marked the beginning of the end of the nation of Israel.
Prayer: God who is Love, forgive us as a people when we let our lust for power and our greed become our gods overriding your rule of love. Help us seek out leaders who will work toward the Common Good of all your people. Amen.