Day 143/365- 1 Kings 7:1

"Cribs"

Solomon also built a palace for himself, and it took him thirteen years to complete the construction. (1 Kings 7:1 NLT)

Thirteen years? Either this house was massive (which it was) or it just took a long time to construct things during this time in history (it did). We read about Solomon's massive construction for his palace which was no doubt a sight to see. He not only built him a house but he fulfilled the dream of his father David by building a temple for the Lord. At least he had his priorities right? Or did he?

We know that Solomon was a man of justice. He setup his throne room & called it "The Hall of Justice". We know he had a desire to rule the people of God well. But was his use of the resources God gave him for God's glory or his? Did he think to himself, now that I've built God's house I can build mine & do with my wealth what I desire?

The Bible doesn't say here. But it seems to be that a 13 year building project could be a little over the top. Whether or not Solomon used what God gave him in the best possible way is questionable but it doesn't have to be for us. As I was reading this, all I could think about was the way he used all of his wealth. Just because we tithe & give gifts to God doesn't mean we can do what we want with the rest of our resources right? I tithe, I give, I keep the rest, correct? Here God, here's your 10%, the 90% left is mine.

The Lord exposed this heart in me while reading. We don't tithe to give God his portion so we can keep the rest. We tithe to show that it's all his anyway. The attitude is, "It's all yours God, here I'll prove it, take 10% or more."

I guess what I felt from the Lord was a tug to be intentional about where my resources are going. I felt an urgency to spend my money & stuff on his kingdom purposes & not on my own luxuries. I don't need a bigger house when some people don't have adequate shelter. I don't need a newer car when others don't know where their next meal is coming from. I don't need extravagant vacations when people have never heard the name of Christ. Not that houses, cars, or vacations are inherently evil. They are surely not! But am I using what God has given me to be blessed or to be a blessing? That's the question, the struggle, & the huge wisdom issue I seem to face on a regular basis. What about you?