Twenty years is a long time. I remember hitting the 20-year anniversary marking the day my life began to take on so much more meaning standing beside my husband David. Do you have a memorable 20-year span of time in your life yet? Use it to imagine what 20 years to build a temple could look like.
The business arrangement Solomon had made with King Hiram had lasted those many years. Over that time, I can just imagine there would have been meetings, inspections, and other forms of contact. This was a relationship of trust and the common goal to complete the temple and buildings.
At the conclusion of the project, it was time to bring closure to that relationship no longer needed for that common goal. Yet, the story seems a little out of place after all the descriptions of grandeur and successful completion of the project. Hiram’s not pleased.
Despite not being thrilled with the towns he’d been given, King Hiram pays. He even called this area “cabul” or “worthless.” Why would he still pay 9,000 pounds of gold? Perhaps he was being true to his word. Maybe he actually agreed to pay more but 9,000 was his “best offer.”
Solomon comes out looking good because he was able to still get payment from King Hiram. Do you think Solomon gave him “worthless” property on purpose? Was he being true to his word?
Having worked in the legal community for 30+ years, I have seen a lot of agreements being signed and then broken. So many of the agreements I have read lately are full of language for “what if” scenarios that are almost never going to happen. The mere fact they are written into an agreement is quite sad. You know the only reason they are there is because the “crazy” situation has happened enough times that this ridiculous clause now is standard language!
When I look at entering into agreements, more important than all the legal “mumbo-jumbo” is relationship. What is the level of trust I have in this individual? Do I like this individual? Would I spend time with them outside of business? You should really get to a place where you can be “picky” like that.
That’s one of the reasons I started an association of Christian business experts and business owners. Pastors are welcome, too. We all are able to serve and be served best in a community of believers. We get our energy and empowerment so that we can be more effective in the world.
I’d much rather do business and sign an agreement with a fellow Christian business owner than someone I was less familiar with. The Lighthouse Networking Association we launched is that safe place membership where we mingle, encourage, network, and do business.
How do you surround yourself with people you trust? Are you feeling good about all the agreements you are part of? Do you show up in a way that honors God?
Let’s pray …
Lord, forgive me for those times that I have made bad choices and behaved in ways that were contrary to your will. I pray you can see my heart and know I was not trying to be malicious in any way. I know I sin and fall short. Give me eyes to see the right path for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
