John Stanko

"Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night" - Song of Solomon 3:7-8.

Today's passage describes Solomon's entourage as it passed by the writer. The king had 60 men in attendance, all dressed in battle regalia and prepared for action, and the writer was quite impressed with Solomon's royal swagger. The problem was that Solomon eventually used his power to enslave the people while he dipped into treasury funds for personal building projects. Eventually he believed he was above God's law, marrying many wives and learning to serve their gods. His show of power ultimately split the twelve tribes into two nations and ruined any chance for the continuation of the glory days of his father David. Leaders must be careful lest, when they surround themselves with pomp and the trappings of power, they think they deserve all the ceremony and hoopla accompanying their presence - and then use that power for personal gain.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to inoculate yourself against power going to your head and giving you an inflated estimation of your importance. One thing you can do is to write your funeral eulogy, for you must be doing today what you want people to say about you when you're gone. What will your legacy be? This exercise also reminds you that you are mortal and will pass from the scene eventually, motivating you to plan for your succession and keeping you accountable for how you use your power.