Steps That Led to Apostasy

The baleful influences thus set in operation extended throughout the kingdom. High wages gave many the opportunity to indulge in luxury and extravagance. The poor were oppressed by the rich; the spirit of self-sacrifice was well-nigh lost. In the far-reaching effects of these influences may be traced one of the principal causes of the terrible apostasy of Solomon.SS 34.1

The sharp contrast between the spirit and motives of the people building the wilderness tabernacle and of those erecting Solomon's temple has a lesson of deep significance. Today selfishness rules the world. Seeking the highest position and the highest wage is rife. The joyous self-denial of the tabernacle workers is seldom met with. But this is the only spirit that should actuate the followers of Jesus. To those to whom He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) He offered no stated sum as a reward for their services. They were to share His self-denial and sacrifice.SS 34.2

Not for wages are we to labor. Unselfish devotion and a spirit of sacrifice always will be the first requisite of acceptable service. Our Lord designs that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into His work. Into our efforts we are to bring the tact and skill, exactitude and wisdom that God required of the builders of the earthly tabernacle; yet we are to remember that the greatest talents or most splendid services are acceptable only when self is laid on the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice.SS 34.3

Another of the deviations from principle that led to Solomon's downfall was taking to himself the glory that belongs to God alone. From the day that Solomon was entrusted with building the temple to its completion, his avowed purpose was “to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 6:7. This purpose was recognized before the assembled hosts of Israel at the time of the dedication of the temple. One of the most touching portions of Solomon's prayer was his plea to God for the strangers that should come from countries afar to learn more of Him. In behalf of these strangers Solomon had petitioned: “Hear Thou, ... and do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for: that all people of the earth may know ... that this house, which I have builded, is called by Thy name.” 1 Kings 8:43.SS 34.4

A Greater than Solomon was the designer of the temple. Those unacquainted with this fact naturally admired and praised Solomon as the architect and builder, but the king disclaimed any honor for its conception or erection.SS 35.1