In the midst of numerous people, Solomon, who was still in his youth, was tasked to lead the people as the baton of leadership was passed on by King David. With wisdom and understanding, he was able to lead the nation to its glorious days where kings and queens all over the world came to see his marvelous works, and listen to his answers to difficult questions.  However, in all Solomon’s achievements and accolades, the skills, knowledge, and wisdom did not come from his own effort. It was bestowed upon him by God Almighty – a wisdom that comes from Above.
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When King David died, it was difficult for Solomon to lead the people amid wars and contention within the family. At a young age, he was given difficult instructions by his father David before he died. If you were Solomon, how would you handle the situation? It is a good thing that King David had a covenant with God and one night, God came to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted. If you were Solomon at that time, what could you have asked? Riches? Glory? Long life? Special powers? Whatever is in your mind, that is what is in your heart. God was delighted with what Solomon asked Him. He said, “Lord my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil.” He neither asked for long life, riches nor the death of his enemies, rather he asked for discernment to understand justice. With that, God granted him wisdom and an understanding heart.

In the present, one may wonder if there could also be leaders who will bring the nation, the local government, or even agencies to its greater heights. This is not impossible if we ask wisdom from Above. It is written, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This wisdom that comes from Above is not the superficial wisdom or one that can be mistaken to be intelligence. Wisdom from Above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It is one that heed to elder’s instruction, listens to advice, and accepts discipline. It is not boastful nor full of pride but is manifested by deeds done in humility and is seen through one’s good life. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord – when we acknowledge that apart from Him, we know nor have nothing. Seek God and you will find wisdom, ask Him and He will give you generously.

Charles Spurgeon, known as the "Prince of Preachers," said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." While we may not know for certain if a snail was actually on the ark, the point about perseverance is clear. As one of the slowest-moving creatures, the snail's journey required perseverance, and God, in His wisdom, allowed enough time for it to board the ark before the rains came and flooded the earth. Perseverance is defined as "the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles," and the snail's story beautifully illustrates this virtue.
 
The Scripture says, “Let us also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. The passage implies that even when we are surrounded by difficulties, we must continue to trust and thank God, knowing that these trials build perseverance within us, shaping a strong and resilient character, and preparing us for the best things God has planned for us.
 
A perseverant person typically displays the following characteristics: First, determination - they stay focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges. Second, patience - they understand that progress takes time and are willing to wait without giving up. Third, resilience - they bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite difficulties. Fourth, self-discipline -  they remain consistent in their efforts, even when motivation is low. Fifth, optimism - they maintain a positive attitude, believing they can overcome obstacles. Sixth, adaptability - they adjust to changes and find new ways to achieve their goals. Seventh, a strong work ethic - they put in the necessary effort and hard work to accomplish their objectives.
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Undeniably, these characteristics are essential for us as people of perseverance. As we live them out, let us remember to trust God and not try to figure everything out on our own. We'll find in the book of proverbs by King Solomon, "Listen for God’s voice in everything we do and everywhere we go."
 
Finally, in his poem “Columbus,” Joaquin Miller describes Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the so called “New World.” A section of the poem that speaks to perseverance reads:

Brave Admiral, say but one good word;
What shall we do when hope is gone?
The words leapt like a leaping sword:
"Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"

In today's digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous platform for sharing personal experiences and causes. Charitable acts, from small donations to large-scale initiatives, are frequently showcased online, raising awareness of the needs of less fortunate individuals and inspiring others to give back. At its core, charity is a manifestation of our innate compassion and desire to help those in need. Whether it's providing material resources, offering kind words, or simply lending a listening ear, acts of charity are powerful expressions of love and empathy.

While the act of giving is undoubtedly important, true charity goes beyond mere performance. It is rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, free from personal motives or expectations of reward.

Unfortunately, the allure of public recognition and social validation can sometimes lead to instances of insincere charity. Some individuals may engage in charitable activities primarily to enhance their own reputation or gain personal benefits. While such actions may appear outwardly commendable, they lack the genuine intent that truly defines charity.

This superficial form of charity can be particularly prevalent in today's social media-driven world. The desire for likes, shares, and followers can incentivize individuals to perform charitable acts solely for the purpose of self-promotion. This can dilute the true meaning of charity and undermine the efforts of those who genuinely care about making a difference.

True charity, as emphasized by religious and philosophical teachings, is motivated by a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is a selfless act that transcends personal gain or recognition. As the Apostle Paul once wrote, " Do everything in love.."

When we act out of genuine love and compassion, our charitable efforts become more meaningful and impactful. It is not about the size of the donation or the public recognition we receive, but rather about the sincerity of our intentions and the positive impact we make on the lives of others.

Empathy is a crucial component of genuine charity. It involves understanding the experiences and perspectives of others, and feeling a sense of connection with their suffering. When we approach our charitable endeavors with empathy, we are more likely to provide the kind of support that is truly needed and appreciated.

It is important to remember that charity does not always require large-scale initiatives or significant financial resources. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Whether it's volunteering your time, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply listening to a friend in need, even the smallest gestures can make a difference.

In addition to the immediate impact of our charitable actions, it is also important to consider the long-term sustainability of our efforts. This involves supporting organizations that are committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, rather than simply providing temporary relief.

True charity is about more than just performing good deeds. It is rooted in genuine love, compassion, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. By understanding the dangers of superficial charity and focusing on the importance of genuine intent, empathy, and sustainability, we can ensure that our charitable efforts are truly meaningful and impactful.