1 Kings 6:12 - As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father.

These words came from God to King Solomon as the king built his magnificent temple to the Lord. But I wonder just exactly how much of that promise did Solomon hear? Paying close attention to the first phrases, Solomon is to be particularly obedient to God, whom the king should know well. Now Solomon began his reign with this thought uppermost in his mind and managed to be very faithful in his worship. But as time went on and the king acquired more foreign lands and wives, his desire to keep the women in his life happy led to having temples built to their gods (See 1 Kings 11). Not only would the women worship these idols and false gods, but Solomon, to show his love and support - happy wife, happy life? would join them. His habitual visits led him away from God’s promise and ultimately his heirs’ hold on the throne. Solomon’s downfall didn’t happen overnight but was a gradual decline. His experience is a cautionary tale for us. We should be ever watchful of our habits where we go and what we eat and drink or hear or read or watch - as some things can slowly but surely eat away at our Christian faith and worship until one day it is just ritual and without real meaning. Then we are in real danger! So be very wary of surroundings. Maintain that daily closeness with the Lord just as faithfully as brushing your teeth so that you may enjoy the entirety of God’s promise.