2 Chronicles 1:1,7-12
Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him and made him very great.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
“You showed so much kindness to my father David,” Solomon replied to God, “and you have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be fulfilled because you have made me king over a people as numerous as the earth’s dust. Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help.”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is what you wish, and because you’ve asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I’ve made you king—rather than asking for wealth, riches, fame, victory over those who hate you, or even a long life— your request for wisdom and knowledge is granted. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame beyond that of any king before you or after you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Ted Tripp talks about placing children in extra-curricular activities. He questions the parents’ motives, in many cases. Do we want kids to participate in sporting activities so that they will be physically fit, develop characteristics of good sportsmanship, and learn the value of working with others as a team… or do we want them to become star athletes in their own right and winners? He maintains that when we focus on the former benefits, we often get the latter… but they must not be our primary motive. Tripp also maintains that we must carefully examine any activity in which we or our children engage and ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the motives aren’t pure and based in developing the heart – physically and emotionally – we probably shouldn’t be doing them.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall… “here’s your sign” in 2 Chronicles 1. Solomon’s motives were pure. He desired wisdom and knowledge so that he could better lead God’s people. And because he asked for help to utilize the gifts God gave him and didn’t ask for fame and fortune, he got that as a bonus.
Often, when we ask God for the right things, He blesses us with more. God has so much He wants to give us… but He wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure first. This is something most of us have to work on all the time. We need to be asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this? If I get the things I want, will they help me serve God better?” If God helps you get a college degree and a good job, will you do all you can in your work setting to serve Him? If you are blessed with a wonderful companion and a solid relationship, will you cherish him/her and work as a couple to serve God and bless others in His name? If you live in a comfortable house and drive a nice car, will you open your doors to show hospitality to others… or even offer an occasional ride to someone who needs one?
When we take the focus off of us and put it on GOD, He shows up in ways we didn’t expect. When we consider His desires and make them ours, we often experience blessings far beyond what we expected – or even imagined! And if we don’t, that’s okay, too… because getting more than we expected or receiving God’s blessings was not our primary motive to begin with.
Where is your focus today? What are you asking of God? And even if you are asking for the right things… is that what’s really in your heart? God knows the difference! Make sure that your heart’s desires line up with God’s… and prepare to be amazed by His answers to your prayers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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