We are all created uniquely by God. Possessing certain abilities that others do not have is not an indictment on others, but an indication of the special work of God in your life.
This was evident in King Solomon’s life, the wisest man who ever lived. In the biblical book of 1 Kings, God appears to King Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for any gift, promising to grant his request. When Solomon asks for wisdom, God promises, “I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”
What an astounding request and promise fulfilled! Solomon understood many things in a special way, enabling him to counsel his people in ways never before seen, including determining the real mother in a child custody battle and answering the questions of a distinguished leader, the Queen of Sheba.
But Solomon did not always walk in the wisdom of God. In his later years, he pursued the folly of his own wisdom, taking wives from foreign lands, trusting in his riches and alliances with surrounding nations, and even building altars to other gods. Scripture is clear that Solomon’s devotion to God waned as he became more powerful and successful in the world.
Thus, Solomon’s example shows that the gifts we receive from God must be received well.
What do I mean by that? The Hebrew word “chokmah” means wisdom – but more specifically, it means wisdom applied. Solomon was given wisdom from above, but was called by God to apply that wisdom in practical ways that would bless God, others and himself.
But God will never coerce us to do his will. We are not puppets with strings, but people with hearts. God, in His kindness, gives gifts to people like Solomon and people like us, knowing that we may neglect those gifts or use them for our own gain. He gives them with confidence, knowing that in the end, because we have the Holy Spirit, we will get to where we need to be.
Even though Solomon didn’t use his gift wisely his whole life, we do see that in the end, the gift he was given was still used for good, a fact evidenced by the beautiful book of Ecclesiastes. That book tells us that there is a time for everything, while simultaneously implying that nothing matters if it is done outside the will of God.
The fact that Solomon’s gifts were still usable, even late in life, is an example to us. I often struggle with impatience toward myself. I see the gifts that God has given me and get discouraged in my response to them, especially when I abuse or misuse them. But Solomon’s example reminds us that God gives supernatural giftings to naturally sinful people, Solomon included. Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom lasted a lifetime, just as yours and mine will.
We will never reach a point where we no longer have anything to learn and apply about any of the spiritual or natural gifts God has given us. This is all over the Bible! We are to work, to train, and remain in Christ and His power.
We are works in progress, so let’s show ourselves some grace and mercy. Remember, God is the one who started a good work in you; be patient with yourself and let Him finish the good work. You cannot rush him (nor should you want to). Solomon had some bumps in the road, but in the end, he finished well.
Why do I say he finished well? Ecclesiastes is what sells me. The Preacher (Solomon) is a man who has experienced all that life has to offer – money, sex, power, prestige, and all the pleasures one could imagine. Yet, he concludes that all is vanity, and that the only worthwhile pursuit is to fear God and keep His commandments. He does not despise his pursuits in and of themselves, but instead despises the ways in which he pursued those things outside of God’s will.
Solomon provides a guide to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, while loving our neighbor as ourselves and enjoying the life God has given to us. Just remember, apart from Solomon’s failings, he would not have been able to come to the heartfelt conclusion that God alone satisfies the restless hearts of men.
The church father Augustine discovered a similar truth, noting something along the lines of, “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they find rest in him.”
Find your rest in Christ, not the gifts or abilities that He has given to you. Remember, union with Him is how we become more like Him. We need the Giver more than we need the gifts. Let us all strive to become more aware of His presence and power in our lives, not neglecting the slow but sure work of His grace, mercy and love that will bring us to our proper, glorious end.
Joshua Butler is from Vestavia Hills, Ala., and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Addiction and Recovery Studies. He has a wide range of writing interests including theology, philosophy, policy and sports. To contact Josh, please email [email protected].
This culture article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. To comment on this article, please email [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.
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