A Young Leader's Prayer

2007-10-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Three months ago I moved churches from Victory Christian Fellowship in Galleria to Festival Mall in Alabang to serve with the church and campus ministry there. It was a pretty interesting decision-making process, which I blogged about here.

From the first week, I realized that I really needed God's help. I felt like I didn't have enough experience to be doing it. And so I read the story of Solomon, when he became king. It's found in 1 Kings 3. Solomon prayed and God asked him what he wished for. And Solomon's response really helped me as a young leader.

Here are 3 Thoughts I got from reading it.

1. Solomon was aware of his short-comings.

"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties."
1 Kings 3:7 (NIV)

Solomon felt young and inexperienced. That felt good. It's okay to be young and inexperienced. In fact, for young leaders, it's wise to know our limitations instead of being hotshot know-it-alls. The good thing about being aware of these things is makes me pray more and generally more dependent on God.

2. Solomon placed the concerns of the people over his own.

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. " 1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)

"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this." 1 Kings 3:10 (NIV)

Solomon's first priority was the ability to lead his people the right way. He understood that leadership is about serving God and others. Leadership is not about getting my way or having a posse of people serving my every whim. Leadership is about serving others, giving what's best for them, often at the expense of personal comfort.

3. Solomon realized he was leading a great people.

"Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 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?" 1 Kings 3:8-9 (NIV)

The word "great" here means "abundant, numerous, many, strong, and/or heavy." Solomon valued the people he was leading. He thought they were important. This is what spoke to me the most after moving. I realized that God was asking me to lead a great group of people. These were great young people with talents and skills, and an awesome destiny ahead of them from God.

Because they are a great people, I am driven to my knees to pray more and believe for the best. If I didn't think they were great, anything I slapped together at the last minute would work for my preaching. I wouldn't have to pray or work hard because they wouldn't be worth the effort.

But they are. I'm privileged to serve them. That's why any time there's a challenge or difficulty, I just remember that and it energizes me to keep going.

Today marks the 100th day since I moved to Alabang. Check out the personal side of it here.

Here We Go!

A Young Leader's Prayer