By Ron Dorner
I hope you have read the first two parts in this series. (See September-October and November-December issues of FGBC World.) We have discussed how God looks at financial prosperity as well as providing a brief insight as to what might be ahead for the U.S. economy. In this issue, I want to bring these two previous articles together in a meaningful way.
As I thought about how to end this series, King Solomon’s life came to mind. A phenomenal life unfolds as we read 1 Kings. Solomon, when he was anointed king of Israel, asked God to give him an understanding heart and discernment so he might rule well. God was very pleased and granted Solomon riches and honor also. God also promised Solomon great things if he walked in God’s ways.
The high point of Solomon’s life is seen in chapter 8 of 1 Kings. Here is the account of Solomon’s prayer and phenomenal offering of thousands of animals dedicating the newly built temple. Immediately after this event God once again reminds Solomon that if he walks in God’s way, God will continue to pour blessings on him. Tragedy follows very shortly when Solomon turns his heart toward the gods of his wives. God quickly acts and the northern ten tribes were ripped from Solomon’s rule.
What can be learned from Solomon’s experience as it might relate to finances?
Where do you stand regarding financial prosperity? Are you on the mountain top with plenty of assets? Are you living your financial life as if there is no tomorrow? There is great uncertainty in the financial field. Those assets that are stored away can melt like a pile of snow on a sunny January day. Those credit card “rollover” introductory rates can disappear tomorrow.
We can learn from Solomon’s experience.
Solomon was inconsistent. Solomon was blessed; but he also had periods of little or no blessing. Solomon knew the great promises God made to David, his father, and to all successive kings in his line if they would be obedient. God did judge Solomon, as well as Israel, for Solomon’s failures.
Several things from Solomon’s life can be applied to godly financial planning.
– As Solomon knew God’s will for his life, so we must seek God’s will for our finances.
– Solomon failed to stay close to God. We need to keep God at the center of our financial plan.
– Our financial success is directly related to our overall obedience to God.
– The godly stewardship of assets is a better measure of financial prosperity than the assets alone.
You and I will never be known for having Solomon’s wealth, but we can be known as godly servants of our Lord, desiring to please to Him in every aspect of our finances.
Ron Dorner is director of Biblical Money Management. BMM has been helping believers handle their finances and estate planning since 1984. Online counseling is available at www.BiblicalMoneyManagement.com.
