The failure of the wisest of all men. Wise King Solomon turns his heart from God.
“The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.” 1 Kings 11:9
After all that Solomon had learned, had done, had seen – how could he? I believe that the root of the problem was conceit. I think he thought too highly of himself. He thought he was above following the rules God had given him.
I long ago learned the power of turning scripture into prayer. One of my most often prayed verses is in Philippians 2.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
My prayer is pretty simple and goes something like this:
Lord, Help me to not do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Help me to be humble and to consider other betters than myself.
There was a time in my life that I was quite arrogant. I was ambitious in my career. I wanted what was best for me: more money, more possessions, more accomplishments, more power at work. I was good at what I did and I knew it.
Then God got ahold of me. As he tends to do, he revealed my heart to me. He’s been working on me ever since.
Because I know my own tendencies and faults, I’ve continued to pray this verse over the years. Even as I serve the Lord, I could become ambitious and vain in my service.
God is using my current season to further instill humility. I spend my days pouring into my family. I see no immediate results. I get no accolades or bonuses. I just trust in God every day that He can take what I am doing and make something of it.
“For you make me glad by your deeds, Oh Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” Psalm 92:4 Amen
Sixty-six books in a year 