1 Kings 2:1-3:28 – Give Your Servant an Understanding Mind

I do not enjoy cleaning.  I’m trying to do a better job of taking care of things as we go so “drastic” cleaning is not necessary when we expect company.  It’s not that I mind the physical act of cleaning, I just always feel like there is something else I should be doing.  And then there is “the pile.”  The mail and other stuff I have that I’m not quite ready to get rid of, but not exactly sure what I should do with – all ends up in a pile.  And in my own defense, oftentimes throughout my week I return to my pile to find something I need.  But when I clean, decisions have to be made.

In our passage today, Solomon is begins his reign as King with some cleaning.  He gets rid of some things that have been lingering and causing problems.  He wipes the slate clean by eliminating some situations that threaten the order of his kingdom.  He starts his rule fresh.

Sometimes in our own lives we need to do a little cleaning.  Maybe its physical cleaning, but we also need emotional and spiritual cleaning.  Now, I know we oftentimes feel like there are better things we need to be doing, but this is essential!  Maybe we’ve been hanging on to something that is lingering and causing problems.  Maybe a person needs to be thrown out of our lives in order to restore order.  Maybe we need to deal with a situation or two instead of ignoring it, hoping it will go away on its own.  We need to evaluate our lives just as Solomon had to evaluate his kingdom – and then we need to develop a plan of action.

Take time today to evaluate your life, how you are spending your time, who you are spending time with, what are you avoiding, and what should you let go of?  It’s time to do some cleaning!!  If not, you won’t lose a kingdom, but your life may be destroyed.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy