CHARACTER Posted 10.3.07
1 Kings 4
Character is defined as distinctive qualities. When God is building in our lives, every foundation should include two distinctive characteristics: God’s Gifts in Place and God’s Gifts at Work.
What is the foundation of God’s work in your life?
God’s Gifts in Place (Read 1 Kings 4:1-19)
1 Kings 4 is one of those chapters in the Bible we tend to skip over. The typical view: a long list of names with seemingly little substance. Not so.
In these verses, God gives us a glimpse of the foundation of one of the most peaceful and successful kingdoms in history. It did not happen by accident. It happened because people took the time to understand the gifts God gave them and to find their place in the building process.
Those with leadership gifts are crucial at this juncture, and Solomon proved faithful. Verse 1 is simple, “King Solomon ruled over all Israel.” Solomon knew his call in Israel and he was fulfilling it.
Has God called you to lead some endeavor? How are you responding?
As we saw in a previous chapter, having the wrong leadership in place is detrimental.
Who are your leaders? Who are you leading?
Equally important are those who surround, influence, and assist the leaders. Verses 2-19 list Solomon’s chief officials and district governors. Those in authority have a responsibility to choose godly co-workers who will reflect their vision. This process of delegation requires the utmost care and discernment. The Bible is filled with examples of leaders who chose poorly and paid an enormous price for it, often with their lives.
Who is working with you in God’s call?
While leaders need to choose wisely, each individual should also strive to understand their gifts and the position God desires for them in any given situation. God has given everyone gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and has a plan for every life (Jeremiah 29:11). What are yours?
A goal of excellence should permeate the work of God. Whether secretary, janitor, president, or advisor, God’s gifts all have purpose and importance. I’m convinced many churches struggle to find help with their children’s programs because people often don’t see the value of that particular call. We also tend to make incorrect assumptions about who is suited for certain jobs.
When we needed a children’s director for our daytime Bible study, God chose someone that I would not have approached in a million years! She is a precious friend but she home-schooled her five children and lived forty-five minutes away! I was sure it would be too much for her. But God uniquely gifted her for that task and she was enthusiastic and excellent!
Solomon’s reign is described as a time of peace. When we are where God wants us to be and committed to God’s choice, peace will come. Many miss this peace because they become disgruntled with their call and jealous of another. Where is peace lacking in God’s work in your life?
We find out in subsequent chapters, however, that Solomon’s peaceful kingdom had its problems. My theory about those troubles revolves around Solomon’s known sin against the Lord – taking multiple foreign wives. As Solomon continued to increase the size of his household, he increased the burden on all those working for him. Warning: do not take advantage of those God has called to work beside you. In later chapters we will see Solomon’s subjects complain to Rehoboam (Solomon’s son and successor) about the burdens Solomon placed on them. God’s call should not be a burden. It will be difficult at times, but when handled appropriately the peace will remain.
Getting God’s gifts in place properly takes time. This list covers quite a span of time which is evident because it includes Abiathar, whom we know was dismissed early in Solomon’s reign, and Ben-Abinadab and Ahimaaz, who were sons-in-law of the king.
We must be flexible as well. God often uses people for “a season” and then moves them in a different direction. David spent time as a shepherd and harpist before he ever became king. He wrote psalms while running from Saul and helped many men discover their gifts when he lived in Philistine territory.
What time is it for you and the Lord? What are your gifts and where is God placing you? How are you responding?
GOD’S GIFTS AT WORK (Read 1 Kings 4:20-34)
Once we understand our gifts, we need to use them! Verses 20-34 give us a snapshot of how the people were working together and building the foundation of this peaceful kingdom.
The first part of verse 20 can be intimidating, “The people…were as numerous as the sand on the seashore…” Solomon had enormous responsibility. But when God entrusts you with His gifts and His call, you can trust Him as you use those gifts daily. What area of your life seems “huge” to you right now? God would not have put you there if He didn’t think you could handle it. You can trust Him. He is faithful!
And look at the rest of verse 20, “they ate, they drank and they were happy.” God can do it! Will you let Him use you and your gifts to bring blessing and peace to others?
Sometimes God will take you way beyond your preconceived limits. Verse 21 indicates that Solomon ruled well past the standard boundaries of the promise land. Have you put limits on God? At one point I did. I was sure I would never go outside the continental United States to share God’s Word. Then an invitation came from Costa Rico. I learned quickly to dismiss my own limits. It was one of the most amazing conferences I have ever been a part of. How are you limiting God?
When using our gifts as He calls, God always provides our needs but requires responsibility from us. Solomon’s daily provisions listed in verses 22-23 indicate his household fed 4,000 to 5,000 people. God provided abundantly, but each person was critical to the ongoing operation. How effectively are you doing your part?
God’s gifts are limitless. Verse 29 describes the wisdom God gave Solomon as “measureless.” God’s generosity was not for Solomon alone. One of my friend’s has a “measureless” gift of hospitality. I have never met anyone who opened her home to so many people on such a regular basis. Another dear woman simply overflows with her gift of encouragement, and we all know children with boundless energy! Our God is a giving God. Let Him expand your gifts and their uses as far and as wide as possible. He is Able!
God’s gifts are meant to build up not tear down. When we are operating in them appropriately, like Solomon, “Men of all nations” (verse 34) will come and be blessed.
What are your gifts and how is God calling you to use them for His Kingdom?
God is building in your life – what comprises your foundation?