Solomon is regarded as the wisest man to ever live but even he had a little thorn in his flesh. In I Kings 11, Solomon had an affinity for “Strange Women.” As you read through the chapter, it’s revealed that God warned Solomon twice that his affection for these women would drive him farther away from God. I must note that “Strange” in the biblical context doesn’t mean “odd” or “obscene.” It means that these women prescribed to cultures and practices that did not glorify God. Sound familiar?

The lust of the flesh overtook Solomon causing him to ignore the voice of God. The scripture said that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Perhaps Solomon thought that he could somehow maintain his relationship with God while entertaining these distractions. Maybe he thought that he could live with both the distraction and God. It was less likely that Solomon turned his back on God overnight. It was a process. Reminds me of that scripture that says that the little fox destroys the vine. Little by little, Solomon turned his back on God. God wasn’t having it! He disappointed and angered God. God told Solomon that he was going to take all that he had given him and give it to his very own servant.

The message here is that you cannot maintain the gift that God has given AND entertain those things that do not glorify God. Solomon was a man of great wisdom but allowed distractions to separate him from destiny. What is distracting you? What do you allow to come between you and your father? Get rid of it before it gets rid of you!