Alien Attachment!

Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest of all the kings of his time. ( 1 Kings 10:23) Because of his notoriety "the whole earth" sought to come into his presence to hear his wisdom. ( 1 Kings 10:24) Even the Queen of Sheba, after hearing unbelievable reports, came to hear and see. ( 1 Kings 10:6-7) After finding none of her questions were too difficult for Solomon to answer and explain ( 1 Kings 10:3), regarding all she had heard, she declared, "the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard." ( 1 Kings 10:7 ESV)

To possess great wealth and wisdom seems to be the picture of one who truly has it made. In fact, the two go quite well together. Wealth without wisdom could bring one to quick ruin. How sad to eventually read of Solomon's heart being drawn away from wholly being toward the Lord. How did that drawing away begin?

We read. . .
"(1) Now KING SOLOMON LOVED MANY FOREIGN WOMEN, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, (2) from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, 'You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.' SOLOMON CLUNG TO THESE IN LOVE. (3) He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And HIS WIVES TURNED AWAY HIS HEART. (4) For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and HIS HEART WAS NOT WHOLLY TRUE TO THE LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father" ( 1 Kings 11:1-4 ESV)

Solomon's departure began by his being drawn to love FOREIGN women. He "clung to these in love." It appears that bond diminished his love for the Lord. In spite of God's warning such relationships could turn the heart after other gods, Solomon apparently set his wisdom aside and allowed worldly affection to draw him away.

I can't imagine having two wives, let alone the number Solomon had. However, consider the point that it was the "FOREIGN" aspect that created the challenge. Loving that which is "FOREIGN" to the Will of God is often the cord that leads away. We must exercise caution regarding that to which we become attached. Rather than clinging, some cords need to be severed lest we become entangled, trapped, and drawn away from our love for God and His Will.

Paul exhorted. . .
"(9) Let LOVE BE GENUINE. Abhor what is evil; HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, SERVE THE LORD." ( Romans 12:9-11 ESV)

May we beware of all that is alien, FOREIGN, or "out of place" ( Ephesians 5:4 ESV) in the relationship with God. Young people, when you begin considering who you will choose to spend your earthly life with, don't think it insignificant to consider the need for a shared faith in God and the truth of His Word. Trying to bring two ideologies together into the marriage relationship stands to create much conflict, especially when children come into the picture. However, the powerful influence of other attachments to people, organizations, and "things" holding values contrary to the Will of God is also not to be underestimated.

That which properly relates to God and His Will will continue to move us toward Him. May our heart be focused there -- allowing our lives to be inseparably entangled in His love -- so that our heart will remain "wholly true to the LORD" like the heart of God's servant David.

Have a great day FOLLOWING WHAT IS NATIVE TO THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
Carl

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