1 Kings 9:6-7
“But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.”
We got our iPad last July when Tris’ resigned from work. It was one of the fruits of his 15 year service in the company. He needed it as sketchbook for his next employment. Timing that I saw someone twitted selling her few-months used iPad, it was the moviestar Rica Peralejo actually, and she offered it to us in a much lower price because of some slight dent. It was the first time for me to own something that is still so fresh and hot in the market. It wasn’t even in the malls yet when we got it. We were so blessed. It became the family’s new bonding. However, it soon became the object of my jealousy. It angered Tris that I called it his mistress, and I knew that was foul. When his office prohibited him from bringing it in, I became hooked with Plants vs Zombies which later resulted to my son’s nightmare. So we had to delete the app. Now it’s the kids fighting over it, every so often. They alternately outwit each other for the first or the longer grab. But ey, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t all bad, and definitely not the iPad’s fault. As with all other gadgets and pleasures, it’s not in itself sinful. We just have to be mindful of the affixes that turn ‘use’ to words like overuse, abuse and misuse.
As early as chapter 9, Solomon had everything a king could ask for. Verse one says he achieved all he had desired to do. It was all great because God has been graciously good to him. He was so blessed and so was the whole land. It was a time of peace and prosperity. Nothing left but to enjoy it. God saw it fit to appear to him a second time, but with the same message: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. For us, it’s our fourth read in this book - - all in the occasion of Solomon’s milestones: when David charged him the throne, when God granted his request for wisdom, at the dedication the temple, and here when he had everything in his hands. Power, Prudence, Presence, Pleasure - - more than enough blessings to keep you praising. But we know the end of his story. Solomon allowed the affixes to overpower, caused him to act in imprudence, ignore God’s presence thus inviting displeasure in the land. God saw Israel's exile in eternity past and so in faithfulness, His infinity stepped in time to warn His child again.
For two days I’ve been pondering on this chapter, hoping to write something new to blog. Now I know why. As early as Eden, it was still the same message for stewardship: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. God wants us to enjoy His blessings within the confinement of His will. Is that limiting? No, it’s actually is freedom from sin. Obedience to His rule is the only way we can fully live life. He blessed us with relationships but we have to mind our character and unconditionally love and forgive. He gave us work but we need to uphold His excellence and disciplines, and exercise diligence. He provides us with income but the tithes are His, the needy is to be cared for, and we should be debt free. These are all His gifts. But its overuse, abuse or misuse leads us elsewhere. The Bible might sound like our mom sounding like a record player, giving us dos and don’ts daily and repeatedly, but it’s all because He cares so much about us. He wants His blessing to bring wealth for He adds no sorrow to it. We can choose Him as our affix by making our days, God-days; our relationships, God-honoring; our work, God-glorifying; and our finances, God-directed. It's our best our God-app today :>
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