What Money Can’t Buy
1 Kings 3:1-15
“It’s the economy, stupid!” is a common phrase used in election times. Money affects all people. Therefore, it easily becomes a major focus in life. In fact, when most play the fantasy game, “If I only had one wish, what would I wish for?” the answer is, “A lot of money.” Yet, when most are reflective and honest, they admit that “money can’t buy happiness.” If this is true, then what should be the desire of our hearts? Solomon faced this situation early in his life. He became king following his famous and powerful father, David. Through a series of four questions, let’s look at Solomon’s take on “what money can’t buy.”
As one can only imagine, Solomon faced a difficult task. Not only did he replace his father, the legendary King David, but also the country divided into factions. Where was he to go for help? (1 Kings 3:3-5). Because of his love for the Lord, Solomon traveled to Gibeon, where the Mosaic tabernacle was located. As he offered sacrifices of worship to the Lord, God spoke to Solomon in a dream, inviting him to ask for whatever he needed. When faced with trying times, we can look for advice from many people or we can be like Solomon, who sought after the One who could truly help.
When Solomon compared himself to his father’s example and saw the weighty leadership responsibilities before him, he felt like a little child. What really was his biggest challenge? (1 Kings 3:6-9). Instead of asking for great wealth, Solomon asked for the ability to judge rightly, discerning between good and evil. He knew the solution to the greatest obstacles was not material matters, but was found in wisdom that could only come from the truly Wise One. As we face challenges in our lives, let’s humbly ask the Lord to make us the kind of people who consistently decide wisely and act rightly.
Solomon could have asked for a long life, abundant wealth, or political dominance. But who did he seek to please? (1 Kings 3:10-14). He pleased the Lord by desiring godly wisdom above all else. Just like Solomon, we please the Lord when we value living with godly wisdom more than pursuing personal wealth or attainments.
How did Solomon show this commitment? (1 Kings 3:15). He expressed a fresh commitment to the Lord by worshipping in front of the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem. We can be like Solomon by expressing through worship a fresh commitment to the Lord and to living with godly wisdom. When we do this, we also will find, as Solomon did, “what money can’t buy”!
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.