Wrong Turns

          “For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been” (1 Kings 11:4).
          What a tragic end to a story that had such a promising start.  Solomon had ascended to the throne of Israel following the death of his father David.  Early in his reign, God promises to grant him a wish.  Showing a maturity beyond his years, he chooses wisdom over other more selfish gifts.  He is granted the privilege of overseeing the construction of God’s temple in Jerusalem, the same opportunity that had been denied to his father, David.  At the dedication following the completion of the project, he lifts his voice in praise to the God of heaven and prays for His presence among them.  He encourages the people to follow his lead and have hearts that are “wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day” (1 Kings 8:61).  Solomon’s fame spread far and wide.
          But something happened on the road to success.  Solomon permitted his heart to take a detour.  He allowed the numerous wives and mistresses in his life to “turn his heart away” from God.  I’m confident Solomon didn’t intend to take this exit.  But over time, little by little, his devotion to God was compromised.  God had warned him of the danger, but before he knew it, he had no desire to turn back.
          Periodically, I need to take inventory of my own life.  Am I allowing anyone or anything to turn my own heart away from God?  It doesn’t even have to be something sinful.  Even good things can come between me and the total devotion that God deserves.  And when that happens, even good things can become sinful.  Beware of exits off the road that leads toward God.  They may look appealing, but they always end in disaster.

God loves you!
Mike