Do we reflect the glory of God or steal the glory of God? 1 Kings 10-13

1 Kings 10:6-9 (NASBStr)

Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”

What are you known for?   What is your reputation?  What do people say about you and how does that affect their relationship with God?  In the above verses we have the essence of our vertical identity in Christ and our horizontal relationship with man.   God established Solomon on the throne of Israel for the very purpose stated above.   God, actually, called Abraham from his country to make a nation out of him for this very purpose.  God does not want us to live our own lives without being a reflection of His character.  Like the moon to the sun we are the light of the world to then unbelievers because we reflect the character of God.  Solomon was not ashamed of his God or that relationship. He knew where his wisdom came from.  Now so did the Queen of Sheba.   Apparently she was a big deal.   Yet, whatever power she wheeled over the earth, at that time, was a mere candle to the light of God as seen through Solomon.  Do people know that we stand for God? Is our reputation to draw the eyes of others and turn them to God?  Or, do we desire a reputation to be seen by others as the source of wisdom and talent?  Do we want others to sing our praises, or do we want them to see us and sing the praises of God.   Our fear should be that we take something from the glory of God.   If others are talking about us and not seeing the reflection of God in our lives or because of our lives than we have failed in many respects.  But, mostly by stealing the glory of God.    Later in this chapter of 1 Kings we read this verse.  May this be said of us all:

1 Kings 10:24 (NASBStr)

All the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart..