Tuesday: Solomon's Early Fame

BIG IDEA: Distracted men produce a divided people

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 10:1   

"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions."

James 1:5  

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Solomon’s encounter with the Queen of Sheba (AKA the original “Spice Girl”) begins innocently with her desire to witness his wisdom and prosperity. Initially, Solomon’s wisdom brought glory to God’s name and drew people from afar to learn about Him. However, the admiration and attention Solomon received over time became a distraction that put his priorities at risk. Much like Solomon, it’s easy to allow high performance, earthly praise, and worldly success to divert our devotion from God to the validation from others. 

The scripture encourages us to maintain perspective and humility. Scripture teaches us that those who humble themselves will be exalted. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled.  And also that pride comes before the fall. Solomon had sought wisdom from God, yet the pride-producing distractions of fame and adulation led his heart astray. In our lives, we must continually seek God's wisdom and be wary of allowing our successes to become a stumbling block.

Action Step:  

Reflect on your own achievements and ask God to help you use them to honor Him. Consider how you can glorify God in your current situation. As soon as you get tempted to take some of that glory for yourself, look upward or point upward, knowing that all good things come from God.

Prayer: 

Father, thank You for the wisdom and abilities You have given me. Keep my heart humble and focused on serving You and others, rather than craving the validation of the world. Amen.

Song of the day:

My Lighthouse. Rend Collective - My Lighthouse (Official Video)