There are a lot of activity addicts who’d love to stop running…. if only they knew how

Erosion- the silent toll of deterioration.

The first eleven chapter of 1 Kings record the erosion of a great man, in fact the greatest in his day. Blessed with royal blood and an abundance of intellect. Solomon was a natural for the throne of David. He was tutored at the feet of Nathan, groomed through the heart of Bathsheba, polished under the eyes of David, and matured by the hand of God. The mark of excellence was upon him. Even though his father died when Solomon was young, it seems clear he was ready to reign over Israel.

Solomon loved the Lord.. Wisdom, loyalty, diplomacy, faithfulness, and efficiency characterized Solomon in his first few years. Solomon walked in the Lord’s ways and he was favored. His achievements, international influence, and wealth were nothing short of phenomenal. He was under God’s wing.

Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind. like the sand that is on the seashore. And Solomon’s wisdom surpasses the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men…. and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.

So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. An all the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:29-31, 10:23

It had been proven that his annual income reached well into the millions during this time.

Solomon had it all

Over time, however things began to change. Almost as if he had attained the mastery of God. He began to compromise and drove himself to the valleys of pride, lust, idolatry, and licentiousness. Much like insane Nero.

Solomon became irrational, sensual, and skeptical of all things he once held precious. He was now serving strange Gods along with his strange wives. Like many today, Solomon simply drove too fast and traveled too far. The vultures of His own demise; Solomon died a debauched life with a greedy appetite for materialism ( vanity and superiority of others). He left a nation confused, in conflict and soon divided.

See, erosion is never sudden. No marriage suddenly breaks down, Now business suddenly folds, no nation suddenly collapses, and no garden suddenly grows weeds. Without God we are exposed to the elements that erode.

Things that were once not tolerated are now secretly accepted. The immoral gap becomes a canyon. The bible says the way which seems right, becomes in fact, the way of death! Guess who wrote that? Solomon!

Take a stand, take ground. Be careful about changing your standards so that it corresponds with your desires. Be careful about becoming inflated with thoughts of your own importance. Be alert to the pitfalls of prosperity and success. Should God grant your riches, fame, and success, don’t run scared or feel guilty… Just stay in relationship with God and you will have balance.  Allow God his rightful place, first!

Excerpts from Charles Swindoll