It started out with my friend doing a little drinking with friends—hitting a bar after work. But then the heavier drinking began and poor decisions ensued as his abuse of alcohol escalated. His weak relationship with God became nonexistent. Today, my friend’s marriage is in shambles and his relationship with his kids is strained. It’s been hard to see him slip into the abyss by degrees.
Similarly, Solomon’s life spiraled down due to poor choices. He started out well, making a “wise” request after God asked him, “What do you want?” (1 Kings 3:9-10). But he was soon seduced by degrees into choices that weren’t pleasing to the Lord. Solomon’s slipping into the abyss didn’t come without warnings from God, however. In fact, the second recorded time God spoke with the king, He told him: “If you will follow me with integrity and godliness . . . , I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever” (1 Kings 9:4-5).
Solomon had enjoyed a strong, covenant relationship with God, but he was still required to live in a way that pleased his Creator. Obedience would bring blessing. Disobedience would bring disaster. Sadly, as he aged, the king allowed the seduction of the pagan culture to draw him away from worshiping the one true God (1 Kings 11:4). The holiness of the temple Solomon had built for the Lord wasn’t reflected within the king—in his “temple,” his body (1 Corinthians 6:19). And the results were devastating for him and his people (1 Kings 9:6-7).
The tales of Solomon and my friend provide sobering lessons. If we allow the world and its ways to replace our heart for God, we’ll die spiritually by degrees. Instead, may we renew our love for Him as a response to His own love for us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Hebrews 12:1-13
More:
Read Psalm 89:24-37 and see what our holy, covenant-keeping God requires of us.
Next:
How are you being seduced by a sick culture these days? What can help you follow God in true love and obedience?
BearPair on December 18, 2015 at 4:09 am
What a grievous picture of our society… choices… and at the heart, a prideful spirit that lies to us, making us think that “one little sip/bite/taste…” Thanks Tom, for this powerful reminder and exhortation. No one dare think they are “above” the temptation becoming habit.
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 9:47 am
So true, BearPair. As God said to Cain, “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (Genesis 4:7).
BearPair on December 18, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Amen!
Gary Shultz on December 18, 2015 at 6:05 am
You are absolutely correct. We do have the supreme treasure of God’s love and to keep that pure, unchanging and eternal, He is also a holy and just God. We human beans want the love part, but we want to jump right to the – throw off all boundaries with no regard for anything except what we view as pleasing to us part. Thank God He still extends that love and as it is said, “there is no hurt heaven cannot heal”. There is hope, there is a Redeemer. Thanks, “Oh come let us adore Him”. Christ’s riches to you this Christmas.
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 9:50 am
Gary, so often as I’ve stumbled or rushed headlong into sin it’s been all about, as you said, my desire to simply enjoy what I think will be pleasing. The reality I’ve experienced? True life, love, freedom, and joy is found in God alone.
Tim Gustafson on December 18, 2015 at 7:32 am
Sad story, Tom, and it needlessly happens again and again. We have a God who loves to reach out to us even after we’ve totally blown it. All we have to do is ask Him. As the prophet Micah told Israel and Judah, “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (7:19).
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 9:56 am
Thanks for sharing these encouraging words. Tim. I’m reminded of 1 John 1:9.
sandy229 on December 18, 2015 at 9:27 am
We do have to live with the choices we make, and sometimes they are the worst mistakes we ever made and no amount of guilt can change things. Then after we suffer enough for it, we realize we messed up and the only thing we can do is to let go of it. God forgives us so we have to forgive ourselves. Hopefully we learn from this and not make the same mistakes again. When we let go of self and let God control our life…….what a huge difference it makes.
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 9:54 am
Good thoughts, sandy229. God and His amazing grace can transform the hardest heart and bring back the one who has wandered from Him the farthest. And, praise Him, “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1-2).
jim spillane on December 18, 2015 at 11:21 am
sandy229 – I was once told that “experience” is what enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. In thinking about that, I’m sure glad that our Almighty Father does not have our kind of “experience.” He remembers our sin no more, and wipes the slate clean. I am so thankful for that.
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 4:13 pm
Praise God for His grace, Jim!
Regina Franklin on December 18, 2015 at 10:18 pm
C.S. Lewis writes in his classic piece Screwtape Letters, “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” How grateful I am for the promise of Micah 7:7-8–“As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Praying for restoration.
Tom Felten on December 18, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Thanks so much for your words and prayers, Regina. Yes, we can pray for restoration for with God all things are possible!
Sheridan Voysey on December 21, 2015 at 4:43 am
“Seduced by degrees”… There is a lot of insight in this phrase and it’s biblical basis, Tom. Thank you.