Who our gifts are for

All of us are given gifts by God.

But sometimes it can be easy to forget who these gifts are really for. And it’s not for ourselves, nor for our glory.

Rather, they are to be used to serve others for the sake of God’s kingdom.

As you look at these chapters, you can see how Solomon did exactly that. You see it in the justice he gave in the dispute between the two women.

And you can see it in how the people thrived under his rule. It says in 1 Kings 4:20,

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.

The other thing that strikes me about this passage is that Solomon made good use of his gifts, and he worked hard to get the most out of them.

It says in verse 33,

He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls.

He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.

I strongly doubt that this was information that God simply planted in Solomon’s brain.

Rather, it seems that Solomon actually took the time to study these things, and as he did, God gave him insight into what he studied.

But I think the best thing that can be said about Solomon is that he made sure he passed on what he knew to others.

He wrote over 3,000 proverbs, sharing his wisdom and knowledge not only with his own people in Israel, but with others around the world.

And because of this, it brought glory to God.

How about you? What gifts do you have? Are you using them well? Are you using them for others and God’s kingdom?

If you are, then you too will bring glory to God.

Let us be light in this world through the gifts that God has given us.

As Jesus said,

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)