According to the Bible, Solomon was the wisest man there ever was.  Everyone knows the famous story of the baby who was claimed by two mothers (1Kings 3:16-28).  But how did Solomon get to be so wise?  He asked God.  God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said:  “Ask what I should give you.”  Solomon began by thanking God, then Solomon expressed his sense of inadequacy to fulfill the great responsibility of leading Israel.  Finally, he asked: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil…” (1 Kings 3:5, 9)

God granted Solomon a “wise and discerning mind” because when God invited him to ask for anything he wanted, Solomon asked for the ability to carry out his God-given responsibility and did not ask selfishly for a long life or for wealth. And, because he was so unselfish, God also granted Solomon long life and riches as a bonus.

I suppose one lesson we could draw from the story is that we should ask God for virtuous things in hopes that God will throw in the fun stuff for free.  (Like asking your maiden aunt to give you socks for Christmas and hoping that she throws in a toy or two as well.)

The way I see this story is that we mostly get what we aim for.  Some will object that you have been aiming for a lottery windfall that hasn’t come your way, but give me a moment and see if I’m not right.

If we aim at selfish desires (like lottery windfalls) we generally grow more selfish.  If we aim at security, we tend to live more carefully circumscribed lives that constrict, but also protect us from the world that frightens us.  If we aim for adventure, we typically find that we get restlessness and dissatisfaction thrown in for free.  If we aim to love we are likely to become less focused on ourselves and our own needs as we become more aware of those who need our love.

Be careful what you aim for.

Prayer:  Gracious God, orient our prayers and our heart’s desires in a direction that will fulfill your purpose for our lives.  Amen.