THE VIEW FROM THE WINDOW

„As I stood at the window of my house looking out through the shutters, watching the mindless crowd stroll by…”.

(Proverbs 7,6 / The Message Bible)

How different the world appears when viewed from the palace window! The conclusions reached by Solomon from his unique viewpoint were right. As the story goes, he noticed a young man in the crowd, enticed by his sexual desires, going to a harlot’s house, “as a bird hastens to the snare” (v. 23).

“Many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain” – writes the king (v. 26). Watching and judging from the distance is a luxury few can afford. The time came when even king Solomon had to leave the protection of his elevated position. We expect him to be wise in his decisions. One would hope that, knowing about the dangers, he will be guarded and especially careful when faced with tempting circumstances. Lo and behold, Solomon failed too. The fall of others, described by him in vivid details, became the prescription for his own demise. In the Book of First Kings we read, “when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God” (11,4).

What is the lesson in the story of Solomon? It teaches me that, looking at the world from my unique position as a child of God, and being able to see the enticements and effect of sin on others will not automatically protect me from the same dangers. And, we are not called to be observers of human failures. Since we are told to be “in the world”, but not “of the world, what is the Lord’s plan for the seasons of “palace dwelling” in the life of the believer? Aren’t we offered this wonderful protection so that we would do something for those living outside the confines of the “palace”?

I believe, the wise king missed the point. Allowing me to see the world as it is, God wants me to be thankful for the protection that I was placed under when He adopted me into his family. Instead of judging others, I have to conclude, “By the grace of God I am what I am”. My window in the king’s palace should be a place of intercession for those living still in darkness. Righteous conclusions help no one. Thankfulness for our safety, and concerns poured into prayer are the marks of good stewardship with the benefits of salvation in Christ.

Lord, guard me from careless living in the world you’ve died for. Amen.