"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Different Desires
“In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. …
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? 11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” II Chronicles1:7-12
Solomon, one of King David’s sons, was given the throne of the kingdom from which God allowed David to rule. God’s appointed, new leader was asked a question by God. The Creator of the universe asked the new leader what he would like Him to give the leader. What an opportunity the ruler had.
Instead of greedy and self-desires that most would ask for, Israel’s new leader asked for wisdom to lead the people God had given him to rule. Solomon may have gotten the idea that he needed this ability earlier from his father.
“Now, my son [King David was speaking], the LORD be with thee; … 12 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.” I Chron. 22:11-12
Because of Solomon’s desire to do his best with his new responsibility, he desired wisdom to be a good leader. Pleased with the young ruler’s self-less wish for discernment to govern his people properly, God granted Solomon’s wish and gave him much he did not ask for (vs. 12).
Although a natural man’s desires are usually selfish, one wonders what a Christian would achieve and gain if he had an “others” mentality, as did Solomon. Yes, Solomon was a chosen king, and he was not a commoner as most of us are, but it is the heart that God hears and sees. God was pleased with what He heard and saw in Solomon.
The Bible talks more about meeting the needs of others, than it does about are getting for ourselves. God has no real need of us or what we can do with what He has created for us, but he loves us because we are created in His Image. Jesus could have escaped the cruel cross, but He gave His life so that we could live eternally. Moses could have gone his own direction, but He obeyed God and continued to lead the Hebrews despite their complaining, lack of faith, disobedience, and other sins.
Most of the biblical leaders that God picked and used had the similar “others first” attitudes. Most of those selfless, godly people were used greatly by their Creator and are still remembered today. However, those that seek to meet their own desires and needs are little remembered and often not in a positive way.
Christian, do you want to have a life used and blessed by God? Be a servant to the King of the Universe rather than a slave to your lusts. You may not be a king as was Solomon, have his wealth, or his opportunities, but you will have the same God lead and use your life. That blessing is longer lasting than any treasures that are found on this Earth.
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3
“Let your motto be, ‘Others, others, others’.”
This article was featured in The Bible View #686.