When you read 1 Kings 11:1 - 10, it's crystal clear how Solomon made a mess of his life. How could someone who started so well end so badly...especially for the man who God made the wisest one that ever lived? A really unenviable ending.
As I thought about it and even as I type, I can't help but make a distinction between instructions and suggestions.
An instruction is: a spoken or written statement of what must be done, especially delivered formally, with official authority, or as an order.* While a suggestion is: an idea or proposal put forward for consideration.**
Before, during and after Solomon's time, God gave all His people, including us, a very clear and unmistakable instruction:
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women...The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.
(1 Kings 11: 1-2 - NLT)
I wonder if Solomon thought it was a suggestion. Maybe that's why he didn't take it seriously and did the exact opposite. At the end, based on his bitter experience, Solomon was clear in his suggestion which sounds more like a recommendation:
All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
It was obvious that he had learned that: "God made men and women true and upright; we're the ones who've made a mess of things." (Ecc 7:29 - The Message).
(Ecc 12:13 - Amplified)
It was obvious that he had learned that: "God made men and women true and upright; we're the ones who've made a mess of things." (Ecc 7:29 - The Message).
Sometimes I see people who interpret instructions as suggestions and vice versa - my husband says it's because they have decided on what they want to do irrespective of the instructions and/or recommendations of others. I wonder how many times we each see such things replay before our eyes - as Mrs. Pastor.
My husband and I have had varied experiences in this area - we see it play out when we make suggestions to people based on God's instructions and even when we instruct people as instructed by God. Having this in mind, we must be careful so our suggestions or recommendations do not sound like instructions. At the other end, we need to be clear in helping people realize that God's instructions are not a buffet - where they think they can pick and choose what to do or ignore. Now, that introduces a requirement - we must also live that way too obey God's Word wholly & make sure we don't manipulate the Word to suit us or impose traditions of men on others under the guise that they are God's instructions - nor let anyone do the same to us (or those in our care) either.
One sure way to avoid getting entangled in the traditions of men and remain aligned in the directions of God is to always ask: Is that required or recommended? Was that an instruction from God or a suggestion from man? In other words, what does the Bible say about that? Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to help us discern and do the right thing when we are not clear/sure.
Prayer:
May we recognize & obey the messages (comprising requirements & instructions) from God before we make a mess of things & have the wisdom to know which suggestions are highly recommended for a more fulfilling walk with God.
May we recognize & obey the messages (comprising requirements & instructions) from God before we make a mess of things & have the wisdom to know which suggestions are highly recommended for a more fulfilling walk with God.
Amen.
Sources:
*http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3&search=instruction
**http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3&search=suggestion
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