In this world, we will always reveal a mark on our lives: 1) The mark of the Spirit or 2) The mark of the world. We determine that mark by how well we take charge of our hearts—the central core of our being—mind, will, and emotions. If we surrender to the work of Christ on the cross and follow his Word, we will treasure the eternal life and wisdom we have been given in the Spirit and align to produce the fruit of God’s pure love. If we resist the work of Christ and live for the desires of our flesh—the world’s temporary and selfish dainties—anything we accomplish that is not of the Spirit will perish right along with us.
The mark of a mature Christian is made certain by how we discern what is right and what is wrong according to God’s Word. Our decisions matter to eternity, so we are wise to understand godly decisions from ungodly ones. An immature Christian looks for ways to satisfy the flesh or fulfill only the Word of God that is self-serving or easy to honor. A mature Christian is satisfied by Christ and so whatever he or she has or does not have is enough. The life goal is always to please the Father, through the Son, by following the Spirit. If God says something must go—does not please or honor him—the mature believer says, “Yes, Lord,” while the immature believer says, “Yes, but…”
In our passage today, King Solomon has an encounter with God through a dream. For a while, he has watched and learned from the life of his father, David, and he has caught some Truth from that vantage point. Solomon is young and he knows God must equip him if he is going to lead the chosen people. So, he asks for Wisdom which pleases God. This is a very mature request for such a young man. Sadly, when Solomon begins to rule in Wisdom, as well as gain favor and riches, his head is turned toward fulfilling his flesh and worshiping other gods. Due to this failure, Solomon wrote in the Wisdom literature so we could learn, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Pro 4:23).
May God grant you a Happy New Year filled with abundant grace that produces the gift of wisdom and the fruit of divine love. Blessings!
1 Kings 3:5-14 NLT
5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
6 Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.
7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for leaving us with the gift of wisdom so we can discern the difference between right and wrong—good and evil. It is our desire to please you and to live in a way that prospers our spirits, souls, and eternal life. Holy Spirit, help us to gain spiritual maturity in the year to come. Help us to live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.