Philippians 1:27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Ancient Israel’s King Solomon started off in life as one of the most impressive Godly man. I recall many sunday school lessons that pointed out the answer of Solomon to God when God appeared to him in a dream and spoke to him "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
Humbled and with a heart full of love for God he gave the most impressive model answer beyond the ordinary man "give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9)
The bible records that God was so pleased with his answer that He blessed Solomon with a wise and discerning heart. Moreover, both riches and honor will be added, so that in Solomon's lifetime He will have no equal among kings. Throughout the sunday school lessons, we often marvelled at how awesome was Solomon's added bonus because he choosed to answer God humbly.
Contrasted this with my answers when as a young boy I told myself that if I ever get an Aladdin's lamp that entitled me to 3 wishes, I would use the wishes for superhuman powers, infinite resources and the last wish would be for more unlimited wishes.
Everything seemed right for Solomon after his life changing encounter with God in 1 Kings 3. Many years later, as he builds the finest temple for God, 1 Kings 9 records how the LORD appears to Solomon a second time and promises to bless him as long as he walks before God in integrity of heart and uprightness.
During the years of Solomon, he wrote wise Proverbs such as "Keep your heart with all diligence" (4:23) and "Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding" (14:33).
Hoever, despite having been blessed with wisdom and knowing the connection between the heart and wisdom, 1 Kings 11 records a backsliden king who disobeyed God by marrying foreign women and end in corrupt sin.
"As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done." (1 Kings 11:4-6)
How sorry it is to see a man who started so well, end in such a tragic state. However, starting well with God is not a guarantee of eternal salvation.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians highlighted the need for all Christians to remain steadfast and firm inspite of difficulties. In his letter above, he brings to mind the truth that the choice to stay in faithful to Christ in hard times is a given. Paul merely states the reality that because the standard of Christ are different from the world, we will need to suffer for Christ, but He would provide us with the strength and grace to endure. This is the same as the commands of Christ "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"
Whatever happens, may you conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ that you may start and end strong. May others see the sign of Christ salvation in unwavering trust and faith.
Blessings, M
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)
