For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
1 Kings 11:4–5, ESV
Solomon had over a thousand wives from many nations. His lust ended up driving him away from God. As he became older, his wisdom failed him and he didn’t stay true to God. As we walk with God, it is important for us to stay vigilant in our faith and continue to learn and grow as a people of God. He had experienced much in his life and was renowned for his wisdom in all the known world, but his heart became caught up in the renown and was led to follow idols that led to the downfall of the Kingdom of Israel. We, too, can be led to downfall if we surround ourselves with those who follow other things and seek our pleasure in places that God warns us to avoid. In marriage and relationships, we can easily be led away from the faith when we bind ourselves with those who do not hold the same faith or values. The struggles that stand before us are great enough without adding to our relationships by being with others who do not believe. That does not mean that we should shun all who turn away and reject God, but it is vital for our faith to remain vigilant in our worship life and continue in the Word as we pray all the days we are given in order to guard our faith and not all into the ways of the world. Sadly, there are many who reject God closer to the end of their lives because of their own pride and personal deception. Our calling, as followers of Christ, is to proclaim the truth and the promise of His salvation and let go if they reject our Lord and not follow any into rebellion. It is easier than one may think to become trapped in the worship of idols when we are not cautious and guard our faith, thinking that we have done enough, but when we remain steadfast and cling closely to our God until the day He calls us home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.