King Solomon.

Renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, the countless Proverbs and songs he wrote, and his legacy as King David’s son.

What’s generally not talked about much is his fall from grace.

After reading Solomon’s story one might wonder, “How could someone who started off so godly and wise be so foolish and reckless by the end?”

It’s a heartbreaking tale that should challenge us to examine ourselves as we gaze into the mirror and consider what might keep us from venturing down the same unfortunate path.

I Kings tells us, “God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore…he was wiser than anyone.” (4:29 & 31 CSB)

Throughout his reign, he built a glorious temple to the Lord, shared his wisdom freely to help others, and experienced peace in the land because of God’s blessing.

But, by the end of his life, Solomon’s heart had turned away from the Lord.

“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been…

Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, and unlike his father David, he did not remain loyal to the Lord.” (I Kings 11:4 & 6 CSB)

This shift didn’t happen overnight.

It was a gradual erosion of the heart as Solomon allowed himself to be influenced by voices other than God’s. He became spiritually lazy as he let outside sources shape him instead of God’s word.

As a result, his fervor towards the Living God faded over time and his loyalty waned.

A truth so relevant to us today that it should arrest us in our tracks.

No one is immune from sin.

Unless we are actively fighting against it, we are passively allowing it to seep into our lives and draw our hearts away from our First Love.

People can (and will) say all sorts of crazy things that don’t line up with God’s word. Part of remaining loyal to God is to fact-check what we hear against the Scriptures.

Does it line up? Is what we’re hearing from others agreeing with what God has already said?

There’s no mystery in remaining loyal to God. There’s no risk of waking up tomorrow to find ourselves suddenly tossing confetti as we sing praises to false gods.

It’s a choice. A daily choice to fight against sin and love God exclusively, wholeheartedly, and fiercely.

Ironically, Solomon in all his wisdom summed it up best when he wrote, “…the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep His commands…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!