R³ Devotional - Day 163

1 Kings 7 goes into detail for Solomon's house. I'm sure it is more majestic and luxurious than we can imagine. Everyone was probably gawking or rubbernecking as the windows and the pillars were placed.
    There is a striking contrast that is presented at the very beginning of the chapter: Solomon spent seven years building the Temple for God (as noted in the previous chapter), but thirteen years constructing his own palace (1 Kings 7:1). While he built God's house first, the fact that he dedicated nearly double the time and effort to his own royal residence serves as a powerful and cautionary statement about the subtle drift of human priorities.
     This passage calls for an honest audit of our own lives. What "palaces" or kingdoms are we building? While our careers, homes, and personal ambitions are not inherently wrong, this chapter challenges us to examine where we invest our best time, energy, and passion.      
Are we giving God our leftovers after we have spent our finest resources on ourselves? We are urged us to ensure that the "temple" or center of our life’s mission and devotion is our relationship with God and our service to Him. This should remain the true centerpiece and priority of our lives.

The contrast between Solomon’s seven years building God’s Temple and thirteen years constructing his own palace points to a deeper truth revealed in the gospel: our human tendency to prioritize self over God. This subtle drift reflects the condition of our hearts, which the gospel directly addresses. Jesus, the true and better Solomon, perfectly modeled prioritizing God’s kingdom. He left the glory of heaven, not to build an earthly palace for Himself, but to establish God’s eternal kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection (Philippians 2:5-11). While Solomon’s palace was grand, it pales in comparison to the eternal dwelling place Christ prepares for us (John 14:2-3).

    This chapter dedicates extensive detail to the master craftsman Hiram, a man described as being "filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do all kinds of bronze work" (1 Kings 7:14). The extraordinary quality and artistry of the Temple furnishings, from the massive bronze pillars to the basins, demonstrate that work offered to God should be of the highest possible caliber. Excellence in our craft is a form of worship.
    God is honored when we offer Him our best. Let us use our unique, God-given talents—whether they are artistic, technical, relational, or administrative—as sacred trusts. It challenges the idea of mediocrity in our service. In your daily work, your family life, or your direct service in the church, are you bringing the "Hiram" level of excellence? We are called to cultivate our skills and consecrate them to God, allowing our work itself to be an act of worship.

Real Life Principles.
God’s kingdom agenda first.
Invest your time, treasure and talents for eternal impact.
Give God your best.

Relevant Life Applications.
Pray and examine your calender your budget and your projects.
Remove and replace agendas to reflect you are kingdom minded above all.
Ask yourself if you submit, obey, or respect others more than God.
Ask yourself are you so fixed on your personal preferences, likes and comforts that you do not consider livind a sacrificial, and submiyted lifestyle to the Lord.

Ready action steps.
Repent: Confess where you’ve prioritized self over God, trusting in Christ’s forgiveness.
Rededicate: Surrender your life anew to Jesus, the true King, who builds His kingdom through you.
Rise: Live boldly in the strength of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the righteousness of Christ for the glory of the King of kings and Lord of lords..