The Maxwell Leadership Reading PlanSample

Distraction, the Enemy of Direction

How could the wisest man in history turn away from God? How could the leader whose gifts and focus once made him the talk of the world get distracted from his calling? The temptations that enticed Solomon continue to attack every leader. Once we “arrive,” it becomes easy to stop feeling hungry for growth and excellence. How quickly we become satisfied—and how soon we begin to spiral downward. Note how this process of decay looked for Solomon:

1. Distractions: He deviated from his call to lead and be a light to the nations.


2. Adversaries: God raised up adversaries to steer him back to his priorities and call.


3. Self-absorption: He became consumed with himself rather than his call.


4. Loss of God’s presence: God withdrew His anointing.


5. Pursuit of pleasure: He became even more obsessed with his own pleasure.


6. Emptiness: He finally grew weary of his pursuits and recognized his emptiness.