Priorities

In the eleventh year…the house was finished in all its parts and in accordance with all its plans. So he was seven years in building it.– 1 Kings 6:38 NASB

Solomon faithfully built the temple to the exacting plans provided by his father, David. The process took seven years and seemed to demonstrate his commitment to seek first the things of God. However, the Bible also tells us that Solomon spent twice as long building his own house—13 years.

Reading these accounts back to back provides insights into Solomon’s priorities. He made sure God’s house was magnificent but invested even more time, energy, and resources into building his own house.

At the time, there may not have been any indication that Solomon was changing. But, during the coming years, he changed in dramatic ways. The man who once sought God and wanted more of His wisdom became dominated by carnal desires. A man with 700 wives and 300 concubines, he allowed his wives to turn his heart away from God (1 Kings 11:3). He even worshiped idols.

Do we see evidence of this change as he built his own house? Was he placing a higher priority on his own interests than on the things of God?

All of us demonstrate our priorities by what we do with our time, talents, and treasures and what we do with the opportunities we have been given. God looks at our choices to see what really is important to us.

What messages are you sending through your words and deeds? And what are the most important priorities in your life?

Reflection Question: Make and evaluate a list of how you spend your time and your treasures.