Solomon, to whom God granted abundant wisdom, completed building the temple of the Lord and brought the ark of the covenant to the temple. He prayed for God to hear the prayers of the people and forgive their sins. Solomon repeatedly recognized the sin of God’s people and petitioned God to grant them forgiveness if the people turned back to him.

The Lord responded with a promise of faithfulness to Solomon and his heirs if he remained faithful to the Lord. God gave warnings about failing to be faithful to him. In the end, Solomon failed to remain faithful to the Lord.

We are called to be faithful to God. We must pray for forgiveness of the sins of our nation, our own sins and commit to faithfulness to God. Each of us must not be distracted by the world’s values and beliefs. We must avoid indulging in worldly pleasures and ideas to gain acceptance. A willingness to endure hostility, ostracism and prejudice is a demonstration of our faithful obedience to God. 

God raised up adversaries against Solomon because of his disobedience of idolatry. Has God raised up adversaries against our country because of the idolatry, wickedness and disobedience occurring?

Christians must remain faithful to God and avoid involvement in those things that lead to failure to glorify God in the midst of turmoil. Be quick to seek God’s forgiveness.

Heavenly Father, I want to remain faithful to you. Help me follow your way and walk in the light of Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Steve Ruberg, Princeton, N.C