“When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.”
In chapter 10 King Solomon was the GOAT. He was at the top of his game and appeared to have everything under control. Unfortunately, chapter 11 begins a sad story of what success can do to a man. You are never in more danger than when you believe you are untouchable …. and Solomon was in danger.
He was surrounded by beautiful, powerful women who were breathless at his wisdom. More possessions than he could count, and popularity and peace on every side. When you’re on top, everyone tells you how incredible you are… and if you’re not careful you start believing them. This constant admiration makes it difficult to remember that you are a sinner saved by grace, and everything you have, has been given to you by God.
You start basing your value on men’s opinions. The problem is that their opinions will inevitably change. Like the classic Eagle’s song “New Kid in Town” … “They will never forget you Till somebody new comes along”. Then suddenly you’re old news, and they’ve moved to the next subject. Fame and wealth are fickle. Proverbs warns us, "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone." When your success and popularity diminish, will your self-image remain steady? Can you resist the temptation of glancing at riches and depending on them as the measure of your worth?
In this world of “influencers” it is wise to remember that if your livelihood depends on the world’s opinion of you… then, like Solomon, you’re in a dangerous place. Can you pursue holiness when wealth and popularity are calling your name? Will you follow God when just a small compromise can make you rich? Your value is based on whose you are, not who you are. True lasting peace comes from realizing that.
So, when it comes down to purity or popularity… which will be your target? Aim carefully because stability and contentment come from chasing God’s approval, not man’s.
“If a man would have popularity he must pay for it--sometimes at a fearful price.” - H. M. Gallaher
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