I’m an observer and I’ve learned much from observing people. Some lessons are good; some are bad. However, one of the saddest observations I watched through the years is how many elder Christians fail God in their final years. Certainly, those who fail constitute a minority of senior believers, because most do serve God faithfully to the end. Yet, for me, one is too many. For a long time I wondered why such failures happened until I was teaching the Book of Kings and noticed Solomon was one of those who failed God in his final years.
To my surprise, I learned that the seeds for his failure began when he was a young man. Solomon was probably the most blessed and gifted man in the Bible. His life accomplishments are without equal. This includes constructing a world-renowned Temple for God. It even drew the Queen of Sheba from what is modern day Zimbabwe. Yet, in all his wisdom and ability, he ignored what God had commanded and warned of the consequences. “You shall not associate with them [Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite] nor shall they associate with you, for they will surely turn your heart away after their gods”. But Solomon held fast to these in love (1 Kings 11v2).
I have to wonder if Solomon, because of all his accomplishments, thought that he was smart enough to avoid this downfall. Year after year, he did succeed in resisting temptation and stayed devoted to the LORD. Yet, at some point in time, his resolve began to weaken—little by little. This ‘weed seed’ of disobedience sprouted, took root, and began growing. And finally, it bore its fruit. When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God. . . (1 Kings 11v 1, 4). Note Solomon didn’t totally abandon devotion to the LORD. He merely began to share it with other ‘gods’. However, God doesn’t want part of our devotion. He wants our complete devotion.
We may feel we can control the small enemies. Israel got battle weary and didn’t completely destroy the Canaanites when they took the land. They only annihilated the strongest and worst. They left the ones they perceived a lesser threat and could keep subdued. It was these same ‘lesser’ enemies that eventually led to the downfall of Israel.
The lesson for us is twofold. For those who are reaching their senior years, with the help of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, make sure you get rid of any ‘weed seeds’ of your past that can rob you of complete devotion to the LORD. Second, for the younger people, eradicate anything that may later sprout in your life, no matter how small you perceive them to be.
I remember one individual I observed through the years. He was a successful minister. Yet, he was always troubled by his impoverished youth. He surrounded himself with wealthy friends, but never felt an equal because of his past. Even though he headed a successful ministry, had a comfortable salary, and was near retirement, he suddenly decided he wanted to be wealthy like his friends. So, he divided his attention between ministry and the pursuit of riches. In the end, he did gain wealth but the ministry declined and finally bankrupt and then his health failed to the point he couldn’t even enjoy his wealth with his friends. This ‘weed seed’ lay dormant for years, but when he was old . . . !
Sustaining Word for the Week:
You’re never too young or too old to destroy ‘weed seeds’ that may hinder you from being fully devoted to the LORD. Ask God to help you do a ‘weed seed’ check this week.