There are moments in a person’s life when all of your pronouncements and beliefs won’t make any difference. What will matter is what you do. Solomon had been promised his father David’s throne for many years. King David was the greatest leader in his nation’s history. Prominent leaders, such as the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, and the warrior Benaiah supported Solomon’s claim to the throne. Yet at the crucial moment of David’s death, everything hinged on what Solomon did next.
True leaders understand that there are certain tasks only they can do. No one else can perform them on their behalf. At such moments, leaders must step up and do what is necessary. It is the courage to do so that often separates leaders from followers. David had done everything in his power to prepare the way for his son. Yet he knew that all would be for not if Solomon hesitated or was irresolute. He therefore urged his son, “Be strong . . . and prove yourself a man.”
Solomon was not a warrior like his father, or even some of his brothers. He might easily have been intimidated by the aggressive efforts by others to usurp his authority. The key was courage. Was Solomon courageous enough to step up and do what was necessary?
As a leader, you will face moments where what you do next will determine your future success. Are you prepared to do whatever it takes?