An Obedient Heart

So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. - 1 Kings 3:9

In Solomon's prayer at the very beginning of his tenure as king of Israel, we see the necessity of obedience in the success of a Christian leader's service. Solomon (as king) would serve as the judge of God's people, often having to discern between good and evil. Knowing his own personal weaknesses, Solomon asked God for an obedient heart in order that he might judge rightly.

If it is true that effective leadership rises out of our obedience to God, might we not rightly ask for the same thing? Leader, forget more resources, cast off more programs and strategies, and out your energy toward a gain in obedience.

All other tools in the leadership belt may work or fail, but our ability to lead will not, if we remain submitted to the guiding principles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everything begins with an obedient heart.

Why do you need a voice when you have a verse? - Jim Elliott