Does it sound familiar?

The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. (1 Kings 11:9 NIV)

How can someone so wise make such poor decisions? 

After reading a little bit about Solomon, I am so amazed at how far he could fall. Here was a wonderful Godly man, who set the bar for wisdom and leadership. Yet, he fell far and did it quickly! Why?

The answers could apply today just as much as in ancient times.

Solomon became self absorbed and distracted by his excesses. He started by disobeying one command that led to another, then one more, and then he couldn't stop. He let the unwise influence his life more than God. He thought he had arrived at the pinnacle of wisdom and grew increasingly complacent, bored with his knowledge and power. He sought more, more glory, more power, and more stuff. This pursuit blinded his relationship with the giver of all things.

Does it sound familiar? Does that sum up your own fall from grace? 

I can see how easy it would be to let that kind of power take over your life. Power is a drug with diminishing returns. You have to constantly seek more to get the same thrill, the same excitement. You start taking credit for your success and neglect to praise God. You start ignoring the work of others, your family, friends, and coworkers. Life becomes all about you. Once the ball is rolling, it's difficult to stop. 

Lord, please keep me focused on you and your perfect love. I praise you Lord for all things and realize t ALL I have is FROM YOU!  I deserve nothing, yet you have granted so much, a great, loving family, a wonderful life filed with meaning, and joy in all things. Praise God for his love!