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Solomon Turns Away From God - 1Kings 11
Solomon Turns Away From God
A good start is commendable, but a good end is what matters. So it appears with Solomon. It cannot be denied that he made a great start: observe his request for wisdom to be able to rule God's people rather than wealth or power (1 Kings 3), his building of the temple, its dedication, and his uplifting prayer at its dedication.
Temptation is no respecter of people! Beginning with Eve we watch as each individual is drawn away by his own lusts. Each is unique unto himself and each one has his own desires and weaknesses. Solomon had his wives. They turned his heart away after other gods. Solomon did what was evil (1Kings 11:4). In verse two, God had specifically warned him of this danger, yet "Solomon held fast to these in love."
Being faithful to God may seem easy when we are first converted, but remaining faithful is not guaranteed. Like Solomon, we may begin well but later have our hearts turned away from God. "Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall" (1Cor. 10:12).
Being faithful can require great choices. Jesus warned: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matt. 10:37–38).
In this we see the reality of Jesus saying that he came to bring division (Matt. 10:34), it can (has and will) divide even our immediate family. Even the closeness of the marriage relationship can be a hurdle for one's faith. While we are to love, honor and respect our spouse, sometimes they become the greatest stumbling block to our faithfulness. This is especially true when our spouse is an unbeliever or unfaithful.
On the other hand, how beautiful it is to see a couple where both are faithful unto God and have set their ambition to help their mate be faithful. If you have a faithful spouse who supports you in your faith, give thanks. If you are married to one who doesn't believe, make sure you live before them in godliness and holiness; perhaps they can be won by your faithfulness. (Cp. 1 Peter 3) Hugh DeLong
