Naging kakampi ni Solomon ang Faraon, hari ng Egipto, nang kanyang pakasalan ang anak nito. Itinira niya ang prinsesa sa lunsod ni David habang hindi pa tapos ang kanyang palasyo, ang bahay ni Yahweh at ang pader ng Jerusalem.

1 Hari 3:1

“Kuya Jericho” ang tawag ng officemates ni Jericho sa kanya. Siya kasi ang mahilig magbigay ng advice sa mga mas bata niyang officemates. Kahit mga babae ay nagpapa-counsel din sa kanya. Nang malaman ito ng misis niya, ipinaalala niya rito na iwasang magpayo sa opposite sex because it might compromise his marriage, work, and faith. Jericho ignored his wife’s warning, thinking he was not doing anything wrong. Besides, isn’t helping others the most Christian thing to do?

Hanggang napansin ni Jericho na masyado nang malapit ang isang babae sa kanya at iba na ang kilos nito kapag kasama siya. Na-realize ni Jericho na mali na ipagpatuloy pa niya ang kanilang counseling sessions. Sinabi niyang ipapakausap na lang siya sa isang babaeng counselor kung gusto niya. Jericho’s desire to be a good Christian almost compromised his marriage and his reputation sa office by counseling someone from the opposite sex.

He was ashamed and admitted this to his wife, who immediately forgave him. Jericho wised up and avoided counseling women.

King Solomon compromised his devotion to the Lord by marrying the Pharaoh’s daughter, a non-Israelite. His intention may be a political strategy, but the union had serious consequences. Added to this was Solomon’s decision to marry more pagan wives who influenced him to build altars and worship their gods. Slowly, the wisest king of Israel sinned against the Lord.  

Do you feel “trapped” in situations where you are tempted to agree with the majority and not with God? Maybe you have to lie to get out of trouble? Instead of compromising your faith, stand strong. Ask the Lord to give you the courage to say NO and trust Him for the outcome of your decision to honor Him.