Lessons From KingsSample

King Solomon - Twisted Giftings

If you could have anything you wanted from God, what would it be? King Solomon had this very thing granted to him by God himself. We read the account in 1 Kings 3:4-15. As a young king, Solomon worshiped and followed after God. He approached God with a humble, sincere heart prompting God to make this statement to Solomon, "God said, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'” That is the statement dreams are made of.

We read on that Solomon responded by asking God for the wisdom to rule His people. Because of his honoring and humble request, God granted Solomon more wisdom than any man ever had. Then, God stepped it up and gave Solomon more wealth than anyone ever had too! This wealth and wisdom was the talk of the world. It brought visitors from all around to Solomon's palace and won the hearts of the people. 

That is where Solomon's life gives us a valuable lesson. The saying "Mo money mo problems!"  held true. God's gifts slowly became Solomon's trap. With fame and fortune came friends and corrupt influences that pulled Solomon away from God. Solomon began to build houses of worship to false gods for his wives. This angered God and slowly Solomon drifted away from his first love in the God of Israel. (1 Kings 11:1-12) 

God is a good, good Father and he desires to bless us with amazing gifts and talents when we humble ourselves and serve Him! The enemy seeks to use the gifts God gives to drive a wedge between us and God, just like he did with Solomon. When the enemy can manipulate God’s gift and purpose in our lives to bring our downfall it causes the greatest damage to the Kingdom of God. Be on alert as you grow in God and He blesses you because the enemy wants to corrupt your character. 

Reflection:

What gift has God given you? What are you using that gift for? How could that gift be used by the enemy to separate you from God? 

Don't let the enemy turn your purpose and gifting into your problem.