[A] Lesson From Solomon: Control Your Desires.

Memory Verse: "He had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines; his wives had a powerful influence over him." (1 Kgs.11:3, NET)

Scripture Reading: 1 Kgs.11:1-43 [I would suggest you read this using the NET bible translation].

Solomon seemingly had no rivals. Secure as king of a comparatively wealthy kingdom, he could engage in almost unlimited pleasures. With his vast treasury, he could afford any luxury. He had worldwide fame, courted by people throughout the world.

But time would reveal that he seemed unable to control his own passions and urges- Prov.25:28.

He demonstrated this lack of restraint with his relationships with women. He was not content just to have one wife, but added a second, a third, and more. He gathered another group, called "concubines" and had several "princesses." He never stopped or seemed content.

There is no sense that any of these women became his true life partner. What was "normal" must have seemed boring. He had to have more, to experience more.

Perhaps he let his power and privileges go to his head, and forgot that he owed everything to God. He was "irresistibly" attracted to women regardless what they believed. And many of these women helped to corrupt his standards. Through these unrestrained indulgences, he lost his God-centered foundation and frame of reference. And the impact was felt in every phase of his life, including his relationships with God Himself. 

This is what can happen to anyone when we take our eyes off of God. When we forget that we owe everything to Him. When we abandon His designs and principles, and go our own way.

Ultimately, God gives us choices, whether or not we will obey Him. But the story of Solomon teaches us what can happen when we refuse to control our desires, ignore God, and go our own way.

In your life, ask God to help you learn from Solomon's mistakes. Seek to fill your life with His Word, and to apply His truths in practical ways. Seek to become more sensitive to the Spirit, for He can forsee danger, warn and guide you, empower and teach you.

Ponder Point: If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self.

Action Point: Refuse to be controlled by your desires. Control your desires. 

Prayer Point: Father, help me to stay sensitive to Your Word. Help me to live in the consciousness of our relationship. I submit my life to You as my Head. Convict me of sin and help me by Your Spirit to control my desires in Jesus name, Amen.