What is it that God remembered of David? The good that he had done, not his mistakes. Now, we're saved by grace, only through Christ, but we can still take further comfort in God's eternal Word: "You will be merciful to us once again. You will trample our sins underfoot and send them to the bottom of the sea" (Micah 7:19, GNT) What will God remember us for?
"Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord 's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness." (1 Kings 10:9, NIV)
Was it out of etiquette, or was the queen truly grateful to Solomon's God? We know that God has been able to reach "foreigners" throughout time. Perhaps the most famous might be the Magi that visited Jesus when He was a young child. God is able to draw all people. No one is beyond hope. Jesus has sent us to the very ends of the Earth with the Good News of our Saviour. He didn't leave us with any exceptions. We are not to judge, we are simply called to share a story like never before, and like lives depend on it, because they do. Who will we reach and will we remember our etiquette? It will help us gain a more receptive audience. God asks us to speak in truth and love, with gentleness and respect. Wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice." (1 Kings 11:9, NIV)
Maybe, the closer we are to someone, the greater the hurt of betrayal between them. How precious is our relationship with each other and especially with God. We need to treasure these relationships.
"They replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." (1 Kings 12:7, NIV)
This is the perfect recipe for any position of leadership. Our world would be a very different place if our politicians lived to serve, if our pastors truly lived to serve (and yes, many do, but not all), if we lived to serve each other, and most of all, if we all truly lived to serve God. Serving the people, leading the people, setting the example for people includes all of these above traits; seeing the best in people, being respectful of who they are, treasuring our relationships, and serving as if unto the Lord.