When you work with people, you get to know them and all their eccentricities.
For example, when I'm frustrated with my (slow) computer, I bang my mouse on its mousepad or talk to the computer as if it can hear me ("For the love of Pete--what are you thinking, Computer?!?"). I go out for coffee at least once a day to catch up with a friend, see the sun or just get some fresh air and a walk. I like to laugh (sometimes at inappropriate times). I often listen to music while I work and have to stop myself from singing out loud in the middle of an open office environment.
If you talked with my current and former co-workers, you might hear about some of these quirks. But you'd probably hear more.
The people we work with or interact with on a daily basis see us at our best and perhaps our worst. What would they say about you? How do they feel about being around you every day?
In today's passage, I liked what the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon:
"...Lucky the men and women who work for you,
getting to be around you every day
and hear your wise words firsthand!
And blessed be your God
who has taken such a liking to you,
making you king..."
There are a few things that I gathered from reading the Queen's words here:
1. Be the kind of person others feel lucky to know, work with and/or count as a friend. Because Solomon was such a man, he was able to influence people. Reputation matters.
2. Wisdom counts...but you've got to speak up and listen. If people can trust you to make good decisions, give good advice and speak the truth, they'll respect you. A few key things? Wisdom sometimes means knowing when to listen--and on the flip side, wisdom can also propel you out of silence.
3. In the eyes of others, who you are reflects on Who God is. If you say you believe in God and want to follow Him, people see that--and they'll develop perceptions about God based on how you interact with them. That fact may not be right, but it's reality.
If you're completely judgmental and condescending, they'll see God as judgmental and condescending. If you are kind and generous, they may see God as kind and generous. And if you're undependable and erratic...you get the picture.
4. Who you are can impact where you are...and how you respond. Solomon's character and as a result, God's blessing, raised him up to a position of power. His response to that power was also a reflection of his integrity. I don't believe that there's a set formula for success (people in the Bible like Joseph, David, and Solomon all struggled at times and made bad decisions, too!). But even in the midst of crisis (some would argue especially in a crisis!), who you are determines your attitude and response.
Tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 13-17
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