GIFTS OF GOD
GIFTS OF GOD
Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days. 14 —I Kings 3:12-14
The mind you have has been given to you by God. Solomon desired to have an understanding mind to be able to govern the people wisely and God gave it to Him. It is so sad that many intelligent people do not understand that it is God who gives knowledge and they are to use it justly. Oh, that there were more like Solomon in that he wanted wisdom, understanding and discernment to do what was right… and then to do it. How sad it is that even though God gave him these qualities of Solomon’s mind, he did not always act wisely.
The wealth that you have, at whatever level, has been given to you by God—- “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). No wealth belongs to any person. It is the Lord’s and we are to be wise in our use of His wealth. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (I Corinthians 10:26; Psalm 24:1).
Also, whatever honor you receive also comes from the Lord. It was not achieved on your own. So many think that this is the case, but “It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another” (Psalm 75:7). Let us give Him praise in this as well.
Lastly, in the context of the verses above, it is God who has our life in His hands, however long or short that may live. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Oh, that we would be wise in the way we “spend” our life. May we be pleasing to our Lord Jesus. Dear Father may this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son, Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBLUQmShmyk