Love’s Choices

“Solomon loved the Lord…” —1 Kings 3:3

What you love will determine the choices you make.  Our text today says, “Solomon loved the Lord.”  Therefore, when God invited Solomon, “Ask what I shall give thee,” Solomon’s choice was for something that would honor God.  Solomon could have asked for many things for himself— “long life… riches, the life of [his] enemies” (1 Kings 3:11). But he asked for none of these things. He prayed for wisdom to lead God’s Kingdom and care for God’s people (1 Kings 3:9).  Solomon was more concerned about the advancement of God’s work and the welfare of God’s people.  These two things should be the driving force behind all our prayers.

The Bible says Solomon’s request “pleased the Lord” (1 Kings 3:10).  I wonder how many of our prayers really please the Lord?

The sad thing is, later in Solomon’s life, his love for God waned and he “loved many strange women” (1 Kings 11:1). His love for these heathen women turned his love away from God and lead him to make many unwise choices—having multiple wives, multiplying horses, worship of false gods, etc.

The warning to us is clear:  Never leave your first love—Jesus! If you love the world, your choices will be worldly.  If you love yourself, your choices will be selfish.  If you love God, your choices will honor Him.