MICROWAVE SOCIETY (1 Kings 3-4)

Today's devotional is written by Jo Huddleston. 

So many of our society hold the attitude of “me, me, me” and “now, now, now.” Some have labeled this “The Microwave Society”—obtaining things quickly for ourselves. Overall, this describes a selfish people.

When Solomon, son of King David, became king, and was in Gibeon, “the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’” (1 Kings 3:5, NIV)

This verse reminds me of little children making their Christmas lists for Santa: a list of things the children want for their personal fun. Our family draws names at Christmastime—a Southern thing. Then we each make a list of what we’d like to receive and leave all the lists in the same location for all to peruse. Of course, the Christmas lists mention personal things we’d enjoy.

King Solomon, being around twenty years old, sensed the great task ahead of him to rule the people. He answered God, “Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:8, NIV)

Solomon’s request pleased God since Solomon had not asked for pleasures or wealth. 

God granted King Solomon’s prayer. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29, NIV) Solomon’s request so pleased God that he also granted him what he had not requested: riches and honor so that no other king would be equal to King Solomon in his lifetime.

Do you have the mindset of those in the “Microwave Society,” always striving for the

pleasure of “me, me, me”? Do you ever pray to God for whatever He wills you to have in order to make life better for others? I plan to claim this scripture in my prayer life so that I will pray to God as a servant, asking for a discerning heart. I hope you will do this with me.