The Impact of Ungodly Associations
1 Kings 11:1-3, "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; 2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart."
This chapter begins with a daunting word "but." Everything up to this point in Scripture concerning the life of Solomon is positive in relation to God and God's blessing upon his life. Solomon's prayer for wisdom brought God's blessing upon his life. He received of the Lord the blessings of wisdom, riches, and power. No one exceeded the wisdom, riches, and power of Solomon on earth. But God is always greatest of all. He is the greatest in wisdom, riches, and power. God can order blessing or cursing. God can promote and He can take down.
Solomon had violated God's commandment which had been given to all the people of Israel. It was a commandment about avoiding unholy associations. Solomon's heart had become so impacted by the unholy associations he had created through marriage that he began to serve and promote multiple God's. The chapter lists Ashtoreth, Milcom (or Molech), and Chemosh specifically and then verse eight says, "And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods."
God's commandments serve one great purpose and that is to protect our allegiance to Him. We are to worship and serve ONE GOD. His commandments serve other purposes but the greatest purpose is to be solely committed to Him.
Is there anything in your life that would not bring glory to God. Are there people (associations) in your life that is hindering your relationship with the Lord? Be careful with your associations. They will either help to make you or break you in your relationship to the Lord. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Do you seek to follow the Lord completely?
2. Where do you find that you struggle the most in following the Lord?
3. What kind of associations do you keep? Are you surrounded by people who encourage you in the Lord or who discourage you in the Lord?
4. What changes can you make concerning your associations?
5. Read Psalm One.