FINISH STRONG
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing My people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies — I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!
1 Kings 3:10-12 (NLT)
We often hear preachers say Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived, which is true. That, however, is not the end of the story. Unfortunately, the Scripture honestly tells us that in Solomon’s old age, they [his wives] turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been (1 Kings 11:4). So, what in the world happened to this king who started so wise and committed to the Lord?
This story teaches us an important principle that knowing the truth and having wisdom for a time does not mean you won’t be deceived and become foolish later in life. Knowing the temptations of powerful men and kings in particular, God gave these commands for His kings: “The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself…. The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the LORD. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself (Deuteronomy 17:16-17).
Kings in those days demonstrated their power in many ways, but they were especially fond of horses, money and women. As we all can see, not much has changed except we have exchanged cars and planes for horses. Over time, Solomon was convinced he needed to be more like the other kings. The book of 1 Kings tells us that Solomon accumulated over 12,000 horses, 1,000 wives and concubines, and tons of silver and gold. He did not just ignore God’s command. He did the opposite, and his life ended in shame, rebuke and failure.
If you are a follower of Christ, you want to hear these words from Christ when you see him face to face, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Don’t just start strong; finish strong.
APPLICATION: Ask God to show you where you might be drifting. Are there small compromises piling up? Stay alert, stay humble, and remain faithful. Finish strong.
PRAYER: Lord, keep my heart faithful. Please show me where I’m drifting and draw me back. Help me not only start well but to finish well. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?