In what ways can we prioritize God's work in our own lives today? Solomon’s Construction Blueprint: A Snapshot 1 Kings 7:2 paints a vivid picture: “He also built the House of the Forest of Lebanon. It was one hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting cedar beams”. • The Temple (1 Kings 6) was finished first. • Next came Solomon’s palace complex, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon (7:1-12). • Every dimension is exact—God records details because order and priorities matter. Take-Home Lesson: God’s Work Before Our Own • Solomon completed God’s house before expanding his own residence (1 Kings 6:38; 7:1). • The sequence underscores a timeless principle: seek God’s interests first, then address personal projects—echoed by Jesus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Practical Ways to Put God First Today • Devote the “firstfruits” of every day—open Scripture, pray, and listen (Proverbs 3:9). • Budget around generosity rather than squeezing God into leftovers (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Schedule ministry involvement—church, small group, service—before entertainment slots. • Build career goals on kingdom impact, not merely paychecks (Colossians 3:23-24). • Treat your body as a temple, stewarding health for greater usefulness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Train children early to value worship and service, normalizing kingdom priorities (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Use the Best Materials for the Lord Solomon chose cedar, gold, and fine stones (1 Kings 7:9-12). • Offer excellence in workmanship, creativity, and intellect to God’s projects. • Volunteer where your strongest gifts shine (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Support missions and church needs with quality resources, not cast-offs (Malachi 1:8). Guard Against “Paneled-House Syndrome” Haggai 1:4 asks, “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” • Regularly evaluate: Are upgrades, hobbies, or habits crowding out generosity? • Fast from excess spending for a season and redirect funds to gospel work. • Simplify schedules—trim lesser commitments to free time for discipling others. Let Personal Spaces Reflect God’s Glory The House of the Forest of Lebanon, though part of Solomon’s palace, borrowed design cues from the Temple—cedar, order, spaciousness. • Display Scripture art, keep Bibles accessible, create prayer corners. • Host Bible studies or meals that foster fellowship (Romans 12:13). • Fill conversations at home with testimonies of God’s faithfulness, reinforcing kingdom culture. Check Your Construction Progress • Am I investing more enthusiasm in hobbies than in worship? • Do my calendar and bank statement confirm kingdom-first living? • Where can I reallocate time, talent, or treasure this week to advance God’s work? God recorded the dimensions of Solomon’s buildings to remind us that every measurement of life—seconds, skills, salaries—can be arranged so His house comes first and His glory fills every room we build. |
    |