1 Kings 12-13

The reign of Solomon is marked to this day by God's amazing grace in wisdom, prosperity and peace. In the background of all this prosperity though we can see, even from the very beginning a subtle root of sin taking hold. Back, at the very beginning of Solomon's reign we see him make an extremely wise political move when he marries the daughter of Pharaoh King of Egypt in 1 Kings 3:1. A wise act benefiting Israel in peace and economics, but a foolish decision in regards to pleasing God. Beyond this initial act we see him acquiring many horses, many wives, and excessive silver and gold. All of which God prohibited the king of Israel from doing in Deuteronomy 17:17.

These sins grew so extensively that the initial act of Solomon's son Rehoboam was pure foolishness that divided the Kingdom of Israel in 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam's foolishness is a sad tribute to Solomon. Solomon as a father, despite all of his wisdom, was not fear the Lord enough to raise a wise son who could lead future generations on behalf of God. This can only be defined as sin on the part of Solomon. The far reaching effects of Solomon's sin persisted for decades after his death and introduce us to the idolatrous kings of both Judah and Israel in the coming chapters of 1 and 2 Kings.

When we let subtle sins enter into our lives we must be diligent to repent of them as soon as possible. All of Solomon's initial sins were things that any powerful king at the time would have been expected to do. His sins of acquiring many horses, many wives, and excessive wealth could have easily been rationalized as benefited far more people than they hurt in the beginning. But these subtle sins grew into straight out idolatry and foolishness that led to the division of the nation. By the time these sins had grown and become established, they were extremely difficult to turn away from. This is exactly what happens to us when we let small subtle sins persist in our lives. We think of these "small" sins as necessary or somehow permissible, just like Solomon. As these sins persist, they grow and lead to division. I have watched relationships destroyed and families torn a part by small sins that grew into larger sins over years of time. "Small" sin grows and expands until it finally divides and destroys, potentially affecting generations of people. Then, when the sin has become so established it is extremely difficult to turn away from.

So ask yourself, what sin, small or large, am I allowing to persist in my life? We must fear our sin, and we must fear the Lord enough to turn from these sins in His Strength.