From today’s Scripture: “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” — 1 Kgs 3:9

This Scripture passage reminds me of a lesson a mentor taught me a number of years ago. Like Solomon, I had been appointed to a position of leadership that felt well beyond my depth. At times, I would be one of three people responsible for about 300 fellow college students at night, plus a small number of security staff. The prospect of the responsibility terrified me at the beginning. My mentor was a person of deep faith and had previously served in leadership in the military.

He suggested the following: remember that you are a part of a team. You aren’t tasked with doing this job alone. Reflect carefully on your core values, and practice them intentionally, especially when it is difficult or it seems no one is watching. Be convicted of the fact that your title and authority isn’t awarded to you by your superiors — you earn it daily from those entrusted to your care. Most especially, seek God’s counsel.

Like Solomon, ask for the ability to listen, to have wisdom and sound judgment. True leadership is sacrificial, and often difficult. But, like Solomon, with God’s help, you can become the leader you were called to be.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give me courage and the wisdom needed to become the leader you have called me to be, and to serve with humility and integrity.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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