You're the Man!
Today’s Verse:
I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; ~1 Kings 2:2
You’re the man! This is a praise and commendation for someone who has made a major accomplishment, sized an opportunity, or taken charge of a responsibility. There is a big difference, maturity-wise, between being a man and being a boy. Solomon became king right before his father David’s death. David told him, “Shew thyself a man.” Let’s see the marks of spiritual maturity and spiritual manhood.
We see the devotion.
“And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:” Devotion is our commitment to a relationship or to a set of rules. David told Solomon to be devoted to God’s Word. A spiritual leader is completely devoted to the Lord and His Word. He does not vacillate, waiver, or play both sides of the fence. Devotion is a priority that comes with a promise. God prospers us in our practices and deeds when we are devoted.
We see the discernment.
“Do therefore according to thy wisdom....” Spiritually mature people must discern between good and evil, right and wrong, and great from good. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Solomon had to have wisdom regarding the motives of Adonijah, Joab, Abiathar, and Shimei. He had to be able to discern the right timing in exercising judgment. Wisdom is depicted when we do the right thing at the right time. It is knowing when to act, speak, and execute. Spiritually mature leaders are filled with God’s wisdom.
We see the dauntless.
“So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.” Spiritual maturity will require courage. First, we need courage when we witness. Witnessing is when we tell others about our faith in Christ with the prayer that they will turn to the Lord. We cannot be afraid of their faces but must be faithful in our witness and message. Second, we need courage against the wicked. We must confront sin and root it out. We must avoid compromise and be firm in taking a stand against sin.
We see the decisive.
“And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.” I know people who can’t make decisions. This makes what they do painful for them and those affected by their indecisiveness. Solomon made decisions that were studied, smart, and swift. Our decisions will sometimes start or end things. Our decisions must be firm and, most often, final. My prayer is that each of us will “shew thyself a man.” Strive for spiritual maturity. The goal is our Lord Jesus Christ and growing into His likeness and love.
Have a Christ-centered God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 36-41