1 Kings 11:10-12 (NIV) 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime.
Though David wasn’t perfect himself, his pursuit of and passion for God brought him incredible favor with God that extended to all that have followed him, including his son. Even though Solomon was given unparalleled wisdom and riches, where he chose to place the treasures of his heart pulled him far from God and into blatant rebellion and what would seem to be blaring foolishness. While there were consequences of this incredible error for one who surely knew better, it was his father’s relationship with God that protected and sustained him against certain judgment and destruction. There would be consequences for his own actions, but he himself was kept by the faithfulness of God to His word over David.
Everyone will have to make their own choices where they place the treasures of their heart, but there is great significance in how our own pursuit of God will provide grace and favor for those we love. Glory and grace surround those who fear and serve God, and all who come under the influence of that glory will get to share in an element of its favor and blessing. Our own intimacy with God is wonderful for us, but it also keeps those we touch in an element of grace that will enhance their opportunity to share in the blessing of that same intimacy. God’s goodness has come before to enable our discovery of Him, but it also goes through and before those who choose to wrap their heart around it like a most treasured possession. The best thing we can do for them? – Know and love God as David did.