The Priorities God Wants From Us….

When God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon replied “give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them (His people) properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of Yours?” This shows a lot on Solomon’s character at that time in his life. He was grateful for the kingship. He knew his place in his position. And he knew these people were God’s people not his. God’s response is even better. It clearly shows us what He wants from us. God doesn’t want us to pursue riches, fame, an attitude of revenge towards our enemies, or even focusing on how long we can live. Our focus should be on serving others. We should be concerned for the well-being of others. God puts us in positions to do just that, help people. We should strive to obtain knowledge, but more importantly, we should focus on gaining the wisdom on how to use that knowledge so that God’s kingdom advances. Obviously, Solomon’s request proves that life is lived most abundantly when we seek God out daily. It places the right perspective; selflessness, humility, dependence upon God, and knowing our place, into our heads, and thus setting the thermostat of “right living”. Solomon got it. Unfortunately, Solomon wasn’t consistent in his pursuit of God. He allowed all the very things God told him He would give him in addition to the knowledge and wisdom, and it corrupted him beyond the many evil behaviors the future kings of Israel ever did. We must be careful to adhere to this story. We cannot allow those things God pointed out to Solomon to take the place of our Mighty God. If we do, we will follow in the footsteps of a “once mighty and powerful king” that lost his way. I don’t want that. Do you?

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed faithful love to David, my father, and now You have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep Your promise to David my father, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! 10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of Yours?”11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern My people–12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12