How does this verse inspire us to offer our best in service to God? Verse at a Glance 1 Kings 7:10: “The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some eight cubits and some ten cubits in length.” Lessons from Costly Stones - God’s house was built on “large, costly stones.” Nothing cheap, rushed, or second-rate. - Foundations matter. If the unseen base is excellent, the visible structure can stand firm. - Solomon’s craftsmen chose the finest materials because they believed the Lord deserved their absolute best. Echoes throughout Scripture - 2 Samuel 24:24—David: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” - Malachi 1:8—God rebukes those who bring the blind and lame as sacrifices: “Is this not wrong?” - Colossians 3:23-24—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men.” - Romans 12:1—“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” - 1 Peter 2:5—We are “living stones” built into a spiritual house, called to be holy and acceptable. Bringing It Home - Offer the best of your time: schedule devotion and service first, not last. - Offer the best of your talents: refine skills, study, practice—then use them for kingdom purposes. - Offer the best of your resources: budget generosity before personal luxury. - Offer the best of your energy: serve while strength is fresh, not only when convenient. - Offer the best of your attitude: joy, excellence, and reverence rather than grudging duty. Keeping Our Motives Pure - Remember whose house we are building (1 Corinthians 3:16). - Excellence glorifies God, not self; the focus stays on His worthiness. - Sacrifice becomes worship when love—not obligation—drives the effort. Encouragement to Act Lay your “large, costly stones” today—whatever the Lord has placed in your hands—so the foundation of your life and service shouts that He is worthy of nothing less than your very best. |
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