May 26th~When Much is Nothing

1 Kings 4:1-34

Psalm 72

Psalm 127

We were given an inside look at the details of Solomon’s kingdom and what it was like to live during his reign. His administration was very organized and efficient, and “the people were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink... Throughout his lifetime, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety... Each family had its own home and garden” (1 Kings 4:20, 25).

We can gather from Psalm 72 that Solomon ruled justly, that he treated the poor fairly, that he defended the less fortunate, that he punished the oppressors, and that he blessed the godly. We also learned that “God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding and knowledge too vast to be measured. In fact, he spoke with authority about all kinds of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. He was wiser than anyone else. Kings from every nation sent ambassadors to listen to his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:29-34).

However, after all of this praise of Solomon and his kingdom, the king himself identified the root cause in Psalm 127, as well as an unfortunate side effect if this cause were neglected. Unless our efforts are rooted in and directed by the Lord, they are a waste of time and energy. Solomon said it this way, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good” (v.1).

There is a saying, “Little is much if God is in it.” But, the reverse is also true, “Much is nothing if God is not in it.” We can set out on all sorts of projects, as vast as our minds can imagine, but, while they may be impressive or instructive, if they are not vines grounded in the Lord, they will wither and die. As the missionary C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Daily Reflection

Solomon applies this truth to four areas — construction, defense, employment, and family. How do you see this truth playing out in your daily work? What are the consequences if this truth were ignored?

How do you see this truth playing out in parenting? What are the consequences if this truth were ignored?

How do you ensure that God is central to all your plans and efforts? What steps do you take so that you don’t proceed without Him in mind?

Much is nothing if God is not in it. Are you wasting your time and energy? It’s better to have little with God than much of yourself.

BiAY.org | Day 146 — 219 Days to Go