The Great Contrast!
The Great Contrast!
1 Kings 7:1 “But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.” The word “but” is used to contrast the previous statement, “…So was he seven years in building it” (The LORD’s house) 1 Kings 6:38. God wanted the reader to see the contrast Solomon spent in building his house verses the LORD’s house. We know the end of Solomon’s story. He turned from God and brought oppression to God’s people. He became a very depressed man according to Ecclesiastes. He did not raise his children for God and when it was time for him to turn the kingdom over to his son the stage was set for a civil war. This text is not a commendation but an indictment of Solomon. His attention to personal grandeur had exceeded his attention for God’s glory. We do not read of Solomon seeking the Lord as he is building his house. He may have but it is obvious when he finished God’s house he became obsessed with his own home. I wonder if visitors paid more attention to his home or the temple of God. This may be the beginning of Solomon’s downfall. Remember, when self gets more attention than the Saviour, the devil can take advantage of you. The tempter will appeal to your flesh to draw you away from God! “Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world…” 2 Timothy 4:10. When selfish motives drive you more than God’s will, people will become your stepping stones rather than your ministry. How do you view the people that come into your life?
When selfish ambitions get more of your attention than God’s work, your work for God will become mechanical and not heartfelt. As Christians we are to live Christ centered lives. We are to look to honour Christ in all we do and wherever we are at. We are not to live a time clock Christian life. We are to live in constant fellowship with our Lord because He is with us at all times.
The equation for Solomon’s sad ending goes like this, Solomon built the Lord’s house and finished it in seven years BUT he was thirteen (number of rebellion)years building his own house. The reputation he earned for the good things he did for God was tainted because of fleshly indulgence! Many a great Christian has tainted his testimony the same way. When the exaltation of self exceeds the exaltation of Christ there is no telling how far from God you will stray!
