Solomon faithlessly disobeyed God's orders by allowing his many wives' and concubines' foreign gods in Israel, which brought God's wrath on his children. How could King Solomon one minute be so wise, rich, famous and having it ALL to becoming cursed, abandoned, and stripped of his reputation and national fame? In his book, "Strong Willed Child," James Dobson states that disciplining our children is based upon a simple formula, "Good behavior - immediate rewards, bad behaviors - immediate consequences." It appears that God used the same principle in dealing with the choices, behaviors and consequences exhibited by King Solomon. He lost it ALL because of his choices.
Lessons for us today: first, stop and think before you act or react. Second, recognize that impulsive thoughts and actions can create significant life-changing consequences. Third, in daily living of challenges, crises, situations, disappointments and setbacks, we have a powerful gift that God gave us, which is freedom of choice. We always have choices and when we practice the principle above usually we come out at a better and forgiving place.
God, whisper to me daily, "You always have choices." Help me to practice daily your principle of freedom of choices - to stop, think and pray. AMEN.
