Apr 012010
 

A few days ago, we talked about peer pressure and whether it could be a positive force in our lives. We read a text in Ecclesiastes about the power of friends to hold us up.

Solomon was gifted by God with more wisdom than any other man on the face of the earth. That wisdom allowed him to make good decisions all of his life. NOT!

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 2 Chronicles 1:10

Years later, at the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed that God would use him and Israel as a ministry.  And yet, somehow, something changed in Solomon. He was wildly successful beyond any human’s wildest dreams. He was surrounded by leaders of other countries, acknowledging his wisdom, power, and wealth. There is no record of a point when Solomon had a change of heart.

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

-Casting Crowns

Someday we’ll hear the whole story of Solomon’s journey away from God. We do have a record of some of the choices he made.  700 wives and 300 concubines. What kind of a statement is that? Some to firm up alliances with foreign countries, some to satisfy lust. 999 partners more than God’s plan intended. And it just started with number 2.  Who whispered in his ear, suggesting the rightness of that first excess partner?

What or who prompted Solomon to initiate and continue with an extremely harsh tax structure that burdened the common people to support his lifestyle and lust for power? Isn’t that enough evidence to convince you of Solomon’s falling away from God? No. By this time, he had been swayed so much by the evil influences of the countries around him, even the influences of his idol worshipping wives, that he did the unspeakable. He went so far that he actually promoted the worship of Moloch, a religion that included the offering of children to be burned alive. Other worship practices included male worshipers having sex with both male and female temple prostitutes or priests!

And you thought Solomon was wise! Yeah, so wise that he made life choices, not with the guidance of his Heavenly Father, but by following the immoral example and urging of evil companions and allies.  Are friend choices important? Uh, Yeah! God teachs, and we know, that good friends are a major force for right in our lives. Solomon learned that connecting with people focused solely on selfish pleasure and debauchery weakened his resolve to follow God and led to his downfall.

Do you have a friend that pulls you toward poor choices? If you are not strong enough with the Father’s power to stand up to them and influence them, then you need to pray for the strength to limit their opportunity to influence you. Don’t wait. God has beautiful plans for you, including relationships that pull you closer to Him.

shared in the workplace 12/16/09

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