By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture: …For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. (I Kings 11:4-6).
…And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant (I Kings 11:9-11).
My Friends,
Interestingly, people turn their hearts away from God to bask in things that will not yield eternal gain. Does your heart truly belong to God? For example, the type of heart that yearns and desires Him both day and night. The heart that seeks to know Him intimately, with the understanding, that He will never fail you. On the other hand, have you forgotten Him and turned your heart to another?
Is there anything in your lives that God has instructed or commanded you “not” to do and you find yourselves engaged and involved in it, anyway? Because of disobedience, you have placed God on the “backburner” while this “newfound” treasure has become your engaged interest on a consistent basis. Perhaps a job, new friend, new possession, etc., has replaced God in your heart. In fact, the time and energy once spent with God is now spent with this “newfound” treasure. Pease do not be deceived! Undoubtedly, sacrificing your time with God for this “newfound” treasure is not worth it. There will be consequences!
Particularly, our noted text highlights Solomon’s failure to obey the commands of God. He had clear instructions not to marry women from foreign nations (I king 11:2). Yet, Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord and began to worship the gods of his wives. Solomon’s wives turned away his heart from God (I King 11:1). What or who has turned your heart away from God? Unfortunately, the story does not end there. Due to Solomon’s disobedience and spiritual coldness to God, consequences were sure to follow (I King 11:10c).
Do not be caught up in the cares of this world and forget the commands of God. Give your heart to God and worship Him, only.
Remember, Jesus Christ Saves!
