Make Your Agreement Clear

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

As Solomon prepared to build the temple, he sent a message to Hiram, king of Tyre, who had been a friend of his father, David. In his message, Solomon told him of his intention to build a house for the Lord.

However, Solomon also needed help from Hiram. He said, “Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say” (1 Kings 5:6).

Hiram agreed to help, but he also sent a message back in which he specified more of the details of the agreement: “My servants will bring [the timbers] down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household” (1 Kings 5:9).

There was more to this working arrangement than just cutting timber. It involved planning, transportation (by sea and by land), and appropriate compensation. By spelling out this agreement beforehand, Hiram and Solomon could enjoy peace with one another. This same type of agreement is necessary for our working relationships today.

So make your agreement clear. Rather than assuming everyone is on the same page, make sure everyone knows exactly what is expected of them and what they can expect from you. This will help eliminate confusion and arguments later over what was assumed but never specified.