What Would You Ask For?

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My Bible reading yesterday took me to the beginning of I Kings. I read how David placed his son Solomon onto the throne--and then went on to be with his ancestors. I read how Solomon took care of his adversaries. Then I read about the vision.

God appeared to Solomon in a dream. He offered Solomon one wish--anything he asked for would be granted. Solomon, being a young man, acknowledged that he really wasn't ready to rule a kingdom. So he asked for a discerning heart, that he might understand what it is that God wants for His kingdom on earth. God was pleased with this request. Rather than ask for wealth or power, Solomon asked for a trait of character that would make him a better ruler. God granted the request and then gave Solomon what he hadn't asked for--wealth and power.

This Biblical story hit me hard. Right now, we are three days before Christmas. The Malls are crowded with throngs of people looking for the "right" gift. Our economy rests on the wanton desires of people who want, want, want--and other's willingness to buy, buy, buy to fulfill those wants. In Biblical terms, we desire only wealth and power. Santa might be fine with it, but I believe that God would be disappointed.

O that we might be more like Solomon, whose only desire was to have a heart that recognized the will of God. When Christmas morning dawns, I pray that all of us--and specifically our church (Ridgecrest) will have a new heart. That in all we do, our heart will be in tune with God and our one and only desire will be to do His will.