Sincerity

In 2 Chronicles 1, Solomon and his men approach God. God asks a wonderful, blank check kind of question. First, I love it that God can offer blank checks. Not a how many zeros can I fit on the check offer but an offer that carries infinite redemption. God says, "Ask, what shall I give you." Old Testament kings could make offers like that. Sometimes they would say, "up to half my kingdom." Pharoah offered Joseph the Vice Presidency of Egypt (so to speak). I get lost in all that God can offer: a galaxy, a planet, power, position, fame, money, friends, unlimited this or unlimited that. He has everything to give and gives freely of that which is most valuable, Himself. And from Himself flows wisdom, grace, love, peace and hope.

In this case, Solomon knew he needed wisdom to rule Israel. God grants him wisdom and all the things he could have asked for and didn't: money, wealth and fame. Each unprecented and never to be surpassed. What intrigues me most about this dialogue is the context God attributes to His additional blessings. He says to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind..." Not because you asked for this. Solomon didn't want one thing but ask for another. Wisdom was the very thing that he truly desired. His request was sincere. I thought about how many times I ask, "according to God's will" more because I'm trying to impress Him than because I truly desire His will. Solomon challenges me to be sincere in my prayer and to be honest when I recognize my desire is not inline with God's will.

Father, you know my heart and what I want. Purge me of lesser desires until all I long for is You. Teach me to be patient and not ask you for blessings until my motives are pure and my passion is for your glory.