What can take down a strong man of faith?
King David and his son Solomon are two of the most revered men of faith, and rightfully so.
David, named a man after God’s own heart, was awe-inspiring in his faith throughout his life.
Solomon, the wisest man ever, knew what to ask of God.
There are so many lessons we can learn from these men of faith. Today, let’s look at what undermined both so we might learn from their mistakes.
David knew God’s law and faithfully kept God’s commands, until his gaze fell on beautiful Bathsheba.
He desired her and set about getting her.
Solomon was wise in asking God for wisdom as he was crowned king. He knew enough about himself that he realized he didn’t know everything. He was also humble enough to admit it.
Unfortunately, he too had a weak spot for women. He had a total of over 1000 wives and concubines.
Did both these men struggle (and give into) lust? Yes.
But was there something more? Maybe something even more dangerous at work here?
While we can’t know another’s heart, I believe there is good life application found in these misdeeds.
Is it possible both men struggled with pride?
After his anointing David ran from Saul for years, holding fast to his faith in God for his every minute; his thoughts were thoroughly focused on the Lord. After Saul died, he was crowned King and obviously very busy, but maybe, just maybe, life got a little easier than dashing about the countryside, terrified, hiding from a mad-man who wanted to kill him.
He reached his goal as king. He had great power, great wealth, and great respect. He’d done as God dictated and was now King.
Did he possibly believe the lie that nothing should now be withheld from him?
Solomon also in his early days of reigning the kingdom relied on God to grant him wisdom to rule the people.
Then he married a woman who worshipped other gods. Then he accumulated more and more women, who accumulated more and more gods.
Did he believe his status as king translated into the idea he deserved to have every thing and every one his heart desired? Did he possibly believe that he could not be affected by the faithlessness of those around him?
Whether or not it was lust, pride, or a combination of the two, there’s a lesson in here for each of us: when we have met our goals, when we feel we have accomplished all we had set out to do, we must be mindful of our attitudes we hold in our hearts.
As we experience success, how will we choose to celebrate? Do we think we ought to have everything our hearts desire, even if it’s contrary to God’s laws? Do we think we deserve everything, just because we worked so hard to earn it, forgetting Who gave us the gifts and blessed the journey?
God does love to lavish gifts on His children. He also expects us to desire to act obediently; honoring and obeying his commands.
As we climb the ladder of success, it’s easy to allow pride to take root. Pride can easily fool us into a false sense of entitlement. And that can alter and influence our decision-making. Which can alter and influence our faithfulness or faithlessness.
Let’s pray for humility and obedience as we accomplish our goals.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for positive pictures of what following you can look like in the early lives of David and Solomon. As we do the work you have given us, please insert a healthy dose of humility and a desire of obedience to your commands into our hearts.
When we experience success, may we keep our eyes and hearts on you.
Thank you for helping us and holding us in our daily lives, In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought to ponder: How do you hold pride at bay?