1 Kings 2:36-40.

New International Version (NIV)

Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else …”. But three years later, two of Shimei’s slaves ran off to Achish… and Shimei… saddled his donkey and went to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves… and brought the slaves back from Gath.

Your Encouragement

Solomon dealt shrewdly with Shimei on behalf of his father, David (1 Kings 2:8-9). He gave Shimei this simple instruction, 

“Build a house here in Jerusalem and live there. But don’t step outside the city to go anywhere else. On the day you so much as cross the Kidron Valley, you will surely die; and your blood will be on your own head” (36-37). 

Why was this so difficult for Shimei to obey? (39-40).

It is the same question we can ask ourselves this morning. Why do we find it so difficult to keep the integrity of God’s word? Why do we fail so effortlessly?

Shimei fell for economic reasons. He went after his runaway slave and disregarded the king’s command. His slave ceased to be his slave in this matter. Shimei instead became a slave to his slave. It happens to many of us too.

When we consider everything through the lenses of economics, social and political correctness, and academic and philosophical prowess, they diminish the significance of God’s word in our lives. It makes it easier for us to disobey God sometimes without knowing it. We become slaves to the things we should maintain dominion over. (cf. Gen. 4:7). 

The solution? Consider Colossians 3:1-3 and Philippians 4:8. It may be helpful to you this morning.