In 1 Kings 5, King Solomon began to gather the materials required for the building of the temple of God. He spoke to Hiram, King of Tyre, who had the crucial resources needed for building the temple, such as the cedar and cypress logs, and the men who were skilled at cutting timber.
Understanding our mission as God’s chosen ones
We know from 1 Kings 4 that Solomon had a wisdom that excelled the wisdom of all men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt (1 Kgs 4:30). Not only was this wisdom used to teach others, it was for a greater purpose. His wisdom was granted by God and also for the building of the temple because God had chosen him to be the one to lead this huge project (1 Kgs 5:5,12).
Solomon understood his mission. He was clear of what was required of him by God and was diligent in working out the plan to see to the completion of the temple (1 Kgs 5:13-18).
As we journey in this faith, let us understand this: every vessel in the house of God has a purpose for their Master (2 Tim 2:20-21).
No matter our capabilities, talents, skills or abilities, as long as we are willing, the Lord will use us. The wise worker of God knows that our core mission is to cleanse ourselves from dishonour and pursue the One who cleanses us. Living out this wisely helps us become better workers of God in His house.
Wisdom in serving humbly
As we read through this passage, we can also learn from Solomon’s father, David. He desired to build this temple for the name of the LORD his God but God didn’t allow him because he had led a life as a fugitive and in those times, shed the blood of many (1 Kings 5:3, 1 Chron 28:3).
Once David knew what the will of God was, he submitted. Displaying humility, David involved himself in the preparations of the necessary materials and contributed a significant portion of what he had for this precious temple (1 Chron 28:11-19). Both his surrender and his preparations were acts of wisdom.
Being a servant of God means that we don’t pick and choose how He allows us to serve Him.
Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Luke 17:9-10)
Jesus reminds us that it is our basic duty to perform what we are expected to and to never think that we must receive recognition in the process. Sometimes, it is easy for us to become weary when we don’t see others appreciating our work or when we don't have an opportunity to serve as we wish.
Like David, we should keep the mindset of an unprofitable servant. God wants us to learn to seek His acceptance instead of human recognition, and to surrender to Him, our King, as we serve.
As we serve Him wisely, we can be encouraged that He keeps an account of what we have done.
A bonus reflection: Wisdom in serving God by understanding Him
Moses possessed great wisdom towards God's nature. This guided his attitude as he served God:
Therefore He said that He would destroy them,
Had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach,
To turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them. (Psa 106:23)
Knowing God's everlasting mercy towards these children whom He loved, many times, Moses pleaded on behalf of the people for their sins. The people's sins angered Moses, too (Ex 32:19). Yet Moses' wisdom led him to realise God's compassion. This strengthened him to intercede for the spiritual gaps he saw among God's people, even being willing to trade his life for theirs (Ex 32:31-32).
Today, the Bible tells us to pray unceasingly (1 Thess 5:17, Luke 18:1). Prayer is a form of service to God. It is also part of our mission as Christians as we prepare for any church work, to never skip prayers and to rely on God in this manner. Can we develop the heart of Moses, one that is willing to stand at the gaps we observe in church today? Can we pray for wisdom to serve God better, just like Solomon?
Reflection questions:
List down some qualities you display as you serve God that you’re not satisfied with. Humbly bring them in prayer to ask God to guide you to overcome them.
How much am I looking at people versus looking at God when I work for Him?
