What is in our heart?
Do the contents of our hearts really matter to God? In answering this question, We are going to look at the dialogue between God and Solomon in 2 chronicles 1 vs 11-12. God appeared to Solomon and said “Ask! What shall I give you?”. Then Solomon responded by asking God for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people of Israel. He asked God for what would make him an effective leader, he requested for a gift that would empower him to make the right decisions and help the people of Israel as their new king - not anything to enrich himself. In other words, Solomon asked for a gift aligned to his and God's purpose. "What shall I give you?" is a question we all want to be asked by God but very few of us have the right answer to. God was impressed by young Solomon’s answer and most importantly what was in his heart. God gave Solomon what he asked for (wisdom and Knowledge), and added the things he didn’t (riches, wealth and honor). God also shared with him some things on people’s hearts when they make requests:
Riches
Wealth
Honor
The life of [their] enemies
Long life
We know that God is able to care for us beyond what we imagine, Therefore, we should live our lives focused on seeking God's kingdom and purpose, trusting in His will and ability to reward us when we fulfil His purpose. Hebrews 11 vs. 6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him".
Where our treasures are, our hearts will dwell. Are we aligning our prayers to God’s will being done on earth or are we making requests that do not align to God’s purpose? Jesus made an observation in Matthew 6 vs. 29; “And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”. He taught us that everything in the universe depends on God and that the plants in the field, without worrying, are better off than our standard for human splendor and wealth (Solomon).
In conclusion, wealth, honor, wealth, the life of our enemies, long life, etc should not be the ideals that define who we are (thoughts, words and actions). What should drive us is the fulfilment of God's will, knowing that God would always provide for our needs. We must work the hardest as christians for our families, our church, schools and for our country with a Mindset driven by God's will because we know He will reward us.
