Repetitively, we see in Proverbs, Solomon warning his sons and all the young against sexual sin. The wisdom given him from God proclaimed this with passion, declaring the devastating effects of giving in to lustful desires of the flesh. In no other area did Solomon linger so as that of being lured by the temptress to follow one’s sexual desires, putting the flesh above God. Yet, it is that very area which was his own downfall as he grew older. Having begun with such favor and blessing, how was it he fell to this temptation himself. His failure did not go unpunished. It effected many generations within the Jewish nation. But there is a stark lesson for us to learn. That is: how does one finish well with a legacy of faith amid a world of innumerable temptations.
For many sexual desires draws them away. But for others it is pride, a desire for power, gossip, anger, doubt, or selfishness of heart. So, what is your Achille’s heel?
What do I mean by that? In Greek mythology, when Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die young. To prevent his death, his mother Thetis took Achilles to the River Styx, which was supposed to offer powers of invulnerability, and dipped his body into the water; however, as Thetis held Achilles by the heel, his heel was not washed over by the water of the magical river. He grew up to be a mighty man of war who survived many battles; yet, died as the result of a wound to his heel. Hence why the Achilles tendon bares his name.
So, what is your area of weakness? Just as Solomon urged his sons, we must learn how to hold fast to finish well.
True History Can Guide Us
I find the scripture to be so fascinating, in that God does not hide the failures of His own. Instead, He writes the history all inclusive of their failures. Many today want to erase history; but then how can we learn to know wisdom and truth without history. If I do not know the horror of what sin does, why would I want to avoid it? Hence the fallacy of millennial generation that wants to rewrite all of history. If we tear down the monuments that remind us of the depravity and flaws that dwell within even the best of men, then how do we know we too are at risk of falling.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 2 Peter 3:17
Then what are we to do to Prevent this? The very next verse Peter tells us to:
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
So therein lies the key to finish well—to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How? Let us look again at what can be the results if we do not.
Solomon’s Failure Had Consequences
The wisest man to live, only second to Jesus Christ, failed miserably. If anyone had the opportunity to finish well it was King Solomon. So what happened? I Kings 3:3 says, “Now Solomon loved the Lord.”
Solomon built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, God’s House. Furthermore, he had the greatest kingdom filled with wealth, power, and prestige. Peace reigned throughout the land. So, what happened? He was richly blessed by God. But his later years were the example of moral depravity. As we see in I Kings 11:1-2,4. “Now Solomon loved many foreign women. Solomon held fast to these in love and his wives turned his heart away.”
Evil had triumphed as the smoke from incense being burned to many false gods burned on the hill side surrounding God’s temple.
And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. I Kings 11: 9-11
As a result, the kingdom was divided into two. Solomon’s son revolted against him as did the armies of the surrounding countries. What had begun well, did not finish well.
What happened?
Solomon did not heed his own warning in Proverbs 5: 1-5, 20-23.
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding. That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell…
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
How to Finish Well
So, what do we do to finish well?
- Never forget, it is grace that saves us.
- Every good blessing comes down from heaven above.
- Never Ever put anything before HIM.
- Keep in the Word every day.
- Be Constant in Prayer
- Do not become too content when blessed
- Just because you have been a Christian for many years, does not mean you cannot fall.
- Be careful what your life looks like, it can destroy the ministry you began well.
- To Finish Well, means every day dying to self that He might live.
Concluding thoughts
So, what if you like King Solomon failed somewhere along the way? Is there still hope?
There certainly is. That is why they call it grace. There are consequences to our failures; however, God’s grace can repair it all. Just as God kept His promise that His spirit would never leave Solomon, He has promised to never leave or forsake those who know Him as Lord and Savior. So, we have hope. I have seen Him take some of my greatest failures and in His hands of love turn them into miraculous displays of His Glory, in spite of me once I had repented of my sin. Just as we are told in Romans 8–There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, nor is there any separation from His love. And all that lies between He uses to transform our hearts into hearts like His. No matter what hardships, trials, and heartaches we face–we know He is Sovereign and wants what is best for each of us.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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