If You Could Have Anything What Would You Ask For?

Just a few days ago I found myself watching part of the Disney Movie "Aladdin" with others who are technically "too old" to watch animated Disney movies. The classic tale of good versus evil ends with Aladdin wishing for the Genie to be free. I find it hard to believe that anyone who has ever watched the movie or read any tale of "genies in a lamp" has ever done so without wondering--"What would I wish for?" If you had three wishes what would you wish for--riches, wealth, honor, fame, health, or something else? What if you only had ONE wish. With only one wish the choice might seem increasingly difficult.

That was the dilema that Solomon had when God said, "Ask what I shall give you" (2Chron.1:7). If you could have anything what would you ask for? I'm blown away by the wisdom and humility of Solomon because he asked for WISDOM. This guy had a healthy perspective on what matters most. Because he was humble and simple in his request God granted him a bunch of stuff he didn't ask for--wealth, honor, health, victory over his enemies. Unfortunately Solomon's wisdom and wealth didn't prevent him from making some poor choices along the way. He went the way of hedonism, self-indulgence, and idolatry, but eventually concluded--"The conclusion when all has been heard, is Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person" Ecclesiastes 12:13.

Lord, help us to keep the "main thing the main thing" and avoid the mistakes of Solomon who chased down a bunch of "rabbit trails" until he finally realized that Fearing you and obeying you is what really matters.