Chapter eight begins the litany of the list of all of Solomon’s assets.  We can describe them all with just three words: worship, wisdom,  & wealth. The second two were the result of the first.

Worship is Solomon’s primary concern in life.  It was out of his true worship of God that we discover the source of his wisdom and wealth.  God was first! God did not take second place in Solomon’s life.  It reminds me of Jesus’ words to us, “seek ye first the kingdom of God & His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Solomon will fail later in his life because of putting his wives ahead of his worship. God lost His rightful place in Solomon’s life. The wisdom and the wealth of Israel eventually perishes because worship fell first.

This can happen to us also. We have the same temptations Solomon had.   Sex, Shekels, and Stomach all combine to force God out of first place in our lives.  Also there’s always the enslaving trio of Pleasure, Possessions, and Position.  Packer goes on to add, “Football, the Firm, and Family are also gods for some.  Indeed the list of other gods is endless, for anything that anyone allows to run his life becomes his god and the claimants for this prerogative are legion.  In the matter of life’s basic loyalty, temptation is a many-headed monster.”

I ask myself does my schedule reveal that God is first in my life? Does my checkbook reveal that God is first in my life? Do my relationships at home reveal that God is first in my life? At work? In the community?

Chuck
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8(NLT)