“Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with difficult questions…Then she said to the king, ‘It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes have seen it. And behold, the half was not told to me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard…Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel’…” 1 Kings 10:1-9, NASB
God declared to Solomon that his wisdom would exceed all those men before him and those who would come after him. He also blessed Solomon with riches and fame and influence that Solomon never asked for so that the Name of the Lord would be great (Ch 3).
Stated differently, God gave Solomon a “platform” in life that would make God famous if used appropriately. The queen of Sheba heard of the wise king of Israel who followed his father on the throne a couple of decades earlier. (Yes, we are 20 years into platform building.) Solomon’s reputation for wisdom had traveled far and wide…so that this unbelieving (non-Christian) woman had to go hear for herself. She was impressed and ultimately blessed the Lord God of Israel for His sovereign provision in and through Solomon.
Solomon’s “platform” gave him the opportunity to make much of God.
The same is true today. Now you may not be a king but do not think that only a king has a platform. It is not exclusive to kings; rather, doctors have platforms, teachers have platforms, carpenters, mechanics, politicians, stay-at-home moms, salesmen, flight attendants and bankers have platforms. Even pastors have platforms! The issue is not what you do but what you do with what God has given you…that is how He is made famous in your life and through your life.
This means that there is a level of accountability and responsibility that is inherent in the way we live our lives every day. We REPRESENT God in everything…whether intentionally or unintentionally. People notice the God we serve in how we live out our platform.
So, if you’re a carpenter…measure accurately, cut straight and build strong. God’s Name is on the line. If you’re a doctor, heal well and show compassion. God’s Name is on the line. If you are a mechanic…fix it to the glory of God! His Name is on the line. Make much of Him…not necessarily by shouting from the rooftops but by being the very best at what you do…to the glory of God everyday…and if there is any doubt as to whom you serve or why you care so much about the quality of your labors…explain that you ultimately do everything you do as a Servant of the Most High God and for His glory. Your employer and customers and coworkers just benefit from your higher allegiance and sense of duty.
Shalom, CA.
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