Enduring FaithSample

The Teacher of Ecclesiastes Traditionally this book is accredited to Solomon who was known as the “Teacher.” It's a collection of practical, everyday wisdom and insight. The book itself has a pessimistic tone and he laments that “everything is meaningless.” Solomon wonders about the purpose of his life. He also states that “wisdom” in itself is bankrupt of real value. How depressing is that thought coming from the wisest man on the earth! So why am I including it in a devotional about enduring faith? To show you the consequences of losing your faith. Solomon, known for his wisdom and as the builder of the first temple in Jerusalem, is a complex figure in the Bible. His faith is portrayed as initially strong but later compromised by worldly pursuits. In the early part of his reign, Solomon demonstrated enduring faith by seeking wisdom from God rather than wealth or power. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God's people wisely (1 Kings 3:5-14). God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Solomon's dedication to building the temple of the Lord showcases his commitment to God's worship. Solomon's wisdom and wealth drew admiration from other nations. However, Solomon's alliances through marriage with foreign women led him to stray far from his faith in God. These wives brought their foreign gods with them, and Solomon allowed them to worship these idols, eventually leading him astray (1 Kings 11:1-8). While Solomon started with enduring faith and received blessings from God, his later actions reveal a decline in spiritual devotion and a departure from God's will. Despite his wisdom and accomplishments, Solomon's story serves as a warning of the dangers of worldly pursuits and the importance of remaining faithful to God throughout one's life. Life is not pleasant anymore. (Ecclesiastes 12:1 ESV) The Teacher admonishes that God sent trouble upon all mankind. He stated this advice at the end of his life when his faith was very low. All forms of idol worship have negative consequences, and for many people, lead to a life without God. Excessive emphasis on idols at the expense of your faith can detract from your relationship with God and hinder spiritual growth. Sadly, Solomon, and his idolatrous practices, robbed him of enduring faith. So, do a heart check and evaluate what, if any, are idols in the place where God should be.