The news media appears
attracted to people who have been notable successes and then at a crucial
moment seem to collapse into apparent failure. Recently the news outlets
reported on an individual who faced such a situation. Brendan Eich was on the
top of the “success heap” in the world of technology. Eich had been the
co-founder of the company that created the web browser called Firefox used by multiple
millions around the world. He seemed to be at the pinnacle of success when he
was promoted to CEO of the tech giant Mozilla in March 24, 2014. There on that
pinnacle he faced a crisis. Would he be a man of character marked by
conviction, decisiveness, and fortitude while facing the onslaught of cultural
criticism? Or would he capitulate under the withering attacks? On April 3,
2014, it became obvious what kind of man he was when he resigned his position
rather than abandon his convictions. At this precipice of decision, cultural
critics declared him a failure. However, overwhelmingly the feedback on
Mozilla’s Foxfire Input revealed that others viewed him as a leader of
character, a conclusion advanced even by some of those who opposed his personal
cultural convictions.
Whether or not we are leaders, all
of us face times when we will be placed in positions when our character will be
revealed. It is then we must realize that our character is not as clearly seen
on the pinnacle of success as it is on the precipice of decision. Our life and
character is reflected in the choices we make.
Recently I was reflecting on the
life of King Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 10-11. The Scripture reports that
this period of the king’s life was a character revealing opportunity. Solomon
without a doubt was at the zenith of success. The Queen of Sheba visited to verify
the reputation of Solomon that she had heard about while in her empire 1,200
miles away. After exploring his wisdom, words, wealth, and the architectural works,
she concluded and announced, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land
about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe the words until I
came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom
and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard” (10:6-7). Her assessment was he
was at the top of the “success heap.”
Perhaps one of the most dangerous
places to be in life is at the pinnacle of success, because often linked to
that occasion is the precipice of decision. In chapter 11 just such a precipice
for Solomon is revealed. The issue was this, “Will he be a man of steadfast conviction
and fortitude in following the clear directives God had given him?” On two
separate occasions the Lord had appeared to him and commanded him to be loyal
to Jehovah warning him to not follow after the false gods of the pagan culture
around the children of Israel (11:10-11; Cp. 3:5; 9:2). The decision he had to
make was clear. Either he follows God’s clear directives and desires, or abandons
this revelation and follows his own wisdom and passions. Faced with this
decision, he chose to forsake his commitments and convictions to the Lord his
God and adopt the religious practices of the many foreign women he loved
(11:1). The nation and Solomon had been warned by the true God that they should
not intermarry with the nations around them because, “Surely they will turn
away your hearts after their gods” (11:2). He ignored the warning and as a
result his many “wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not
loyal to the Lord his God” (11:4). The result for him and his kingdom was
discipline, disaster, and defeat (11:11-13). Poor choices at the precipice of
decision can be costly.
Rather than looking harshly at a
foolish “wise” King Solomon, a better exercise would be to engage in some
personal reflection. Are we ignoring what God has revealed in exchange for our
own personal passions and preferences? The activity can be rather subtle. All
we have to do is allow something around us to influence us more than what God
has revealed to us. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul gives a strong
challenge to a church surrounded by a pagan and hostile culture. He demands,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God” (Romans 12:2). He is challenging this church to be prepared when the
precipice of decision comes along and to align themselves with what God wants
more than with what the culture around them espouses and demands. One
paraphrase states the verse this way, “Do not let the world squeeze you into
its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove
in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and
moves towards the goal of true maturity” (J. B. Phillips). This re-molding
takes place as a person spends time reading, processing, and obeying the Bible
which reveals God’s plan and purpose for our lives. At the precipice of
decision we must make sure that our choices are being influenced by the right
source.
Earlier in his life Solomon wrote these words to his son, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-6). How sad Solomon ignored those words later in his life. The advice could have made a great difference in his decision making!
