The Reflective Family: Growing in Wisdom and UnderstandingSample

Today, we'll dive into the story of Solomon, one of the Bible's most profound thinkers and a perfect example for Reflective Families. His journey offers powerful lessons about the benefits and potential pitfalls of a contemplative nature.

Solomon's story begins with a moment of deep reflection. As a young king, God visited him in a dream and asked what he wanted. Instead of requesting wealth or power, Solomon reflected on his position and responsibilities. He asked for wisdom, saying, "Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleased God, who granted Solomon wisdom beyond measure.

This moment exemplifies the strength of a Reflective Family - the ability to look beyond surface desires and consider what's truly important. Solomon's request came from a place of self-awareness and a deep sense of purpose, traits that Reflective Families often cultivate.

Solomon's wisdom manifested in various ways. He became known for his insightful judgments, like the famous case of two women claiming the same baby (1 Kings 3:16-28). His ability to see beyond the obvious and understand human nature deeply is a hallmark of reflective thinking.

But Solomon didn't keep his wisdom to himself. He shared it through his writings, including much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. These books are filled with the kind of deep thoughts and observations that Reflective Families love to ponder. For example, Proverbs 4:7 says, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." This verse encapsulates the Reflective Family's commitment to gaining deeper insights.

Solomon's reflective nature also led him to contemplate life's big questions. In Ecclesiastes, we see him wrestling with the meaning of life, the nature of wisdom, and the pursuit of happiness. This book shows both the benefits and potential pitfalls of deep reflection. While it offers profound insights, it also reveals how overthinking can sometimes lead to frustration or cynicism if not balanced with faith and action.

Solomon's story illustrates some of the cautions we discussed yesterday. Despite his wisdom, Solomon sometimes failed to act on his knowledge, particularly in his later years. He allowed his curiosity about other cultures to lead him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:4), showing how even the wisest can stumble if reflection isn't paired with discernment and obedience.

For Reflective Families today, Solomon's life offers several key lessons:

1. Use your reflective nature to seek wisdom and understanding, not just knowledge.

2. Share your insights with others, as Solomon did through his writings.

3. Balance deep thinking with action and obedience to God.

4. Be aware that wisdom alone isn't enough - it must be applied to be truly valuable.

5. Use your reflective skills to continually examine your path and ensure that you stay true to God's ways.

Questions:

1. How can your family use its reflective nature to seek wisdom as Solomon did?

2. In what ways can you share the insights you gain from your reflections to benefit others?

3. How can you ensure that your family's deep thinking leads to positive action rather than just endless contemplation?

4. What "big questions" is your family wrestling with right now? How can you approach these questions with both wisdom and faith?