I was noticing the measurements of King Solomon’s palace. It seems his palace was larger than the Temple, but even though the size was larger, the decor was not as grand. The Temple furnishings were overlaid with gold, while Solomon’s house was not. I also got a little confused about the structures Huram was contracted to build. If not for subtitles, I would have thought the great Sea and capitals were built as part of Solomon’s palace. But the subtitle over the work for which he was commissioned is “Furnishings for the Temple.” I didn’t notice it until after I’d finished reading and was thinking to myself, “Solomon’s palace was grander than the Temple!” In part, that is true, as his palace was larger than the Temple, but the furnishings were not as elaborate. Still, I wonder what God thought about it. How would I feel if someone built me a home but then turned around and built himself a home even larger than the one he’d built for me? I think I would be a little offended. It wouldn’t feel as special. It reminded me of a pet peeve of mine I like to call “Give a compliment. Take it back.” This is when someone says something like, “Wow. This food is so delicious!” But then follows it up with, “You know the only thing that would make this a little better is if you’d added a little more of this or a little more of that.” Get what I’m saying? “You look lovely today, … but if you had on a blue shirt, you’d look even more fantastic.” “I bought you a gift, and while I was out, I picked up this wonderful gift for myself.” Things like this take all the special out of what I thought was a heartfelt message or gift meant solely for me. Maybe that sounds selfish, but in my head it makes sense. I don’t mean to sound vain or self-centered. It’s just nice to feel special and celebrated once in a while, isn’t it? And I’m certainly not blameless when it comes to reciprocating. I do this OFTEN when praying. I find myself thanking God for His blessings and then wander off into “me” territory. Like, “Thank you Lord for your blessings, for giving ME these things, for guiding ME in this journey, for gifting ME with your graciousness.” I forget sometimes that I started praying in order to give God the credit and trail off in a string of praises that actually focuses more on what I have than what God has allowed me to have. My praise becomes internal rather than external, and man, I can get judge-y about it, too, like somehow I have earned more favor with God than others around me. I think this may be one downfall of Solomon’s. He is confident in the Lord, yes, which is awesome, but He also takes advantage of the grace and favor he has received. We can learn a lot from King Solomon by paying attention to his response and actions, mostly because we as humans are more than likely guilty of the same. Thank God for his grace and great mercy.
Writing prompt: give a compliment; take it back
Are you guilty of giving compliments and taking them back? I know I am in many ways. Write about a time when you’ve been on the giving or receiving end of giving a compliment and taking it back.
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