“I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. This too is vanity (futility, false pride) and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4 AMP

Therse are important words from the richest man of his day. King Solomon was blessed with great riches and wisdom as he led the nation of Israel. When asked by God what Solomon wanted, he responded with these words.

“So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [with which] to judge Your people, so that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge and rule this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 AMP

Solomon had a good example to follow, his father, King David. When David was about to die he gave Solomon a solum warning,

“When David’s time to die approached, he gave instructions to Solomon his son, saying, 2“I am going the way of all the earth [as dust to dust]. Be strong and prove yourself a man. 3Keep the charge of the LORD your God, [that is, fulfill your obligation to] walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in everything that you do and wherever you turn, 4so that the LORD may fulfill His promise concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful regarding their way [of life], to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and mind and with all their soul, you shall not fail to have a man (descendant) on the throne of Israel.’’ 1 Kings 2:1-4 AMP

Look at the condition of the promise, “…Be strong and prove yourself a man. 3Keep the charge of the LORD your God, [that is, fulfill your obligation to] walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in everything that you do.” The criteria for being a “Man” in God’s eyes is totally different than the world’s! The world would gauge your success on how much you have accumulated and how much power you wield. God however looks for and rewards obedience. Jesus said it perfectly when discussing the pursuit of earthly things,

“Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” Matthew 6:31-33 AMP

Solomon chose wisely that day and as a result God blessed him with everything! Are you choosing to seek God today or the riches of man? We all know that naked we came into this world and naked we will go out. I am not saying we should not take advantage of the gifts and talents God has given us. I am saying that if the only reason you are using them is for your gain you are missing the mark! All we have belongs to him first and are given the His us only! Have a blessed day. Pastor Ken