The temple Solomon built for God was impressive. People came from all over the known world to see it and to worship within it. The magnificent structure towered about the city skyline. So elaborate was it that it took seven years of intense labor by an army of builders to complete the glorious structure. Yet the king took thirteen years to build his own house.
Perhaps nothing should be seen in this. Solomon did build God’s house first. Kings require numerous rooms and apartments to house their royal retinue and harem that God does not. Nevertheless, more effort was placed on his own comfort and prestige than in the effort Solomon made on behalf of God.
At times it is what we put our money in to that reflects where our heart is. Perhaps the growing preoccupation with his own opulence and grandeur ultimately led Solomon to neglect the God who had given him his kingdom in the first place. Perhaps having built God a magnificent house, the king now felt he could turn his attention elsewhere. Could it be that you once gave God your full loyalty and attention, but of late, your focus has been on other things? Have you been neglecting your relationship with God while you attended to other matters?