BALANCING PERSONAL PURSUITS WITH KINGDOM PRIORITIES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 7:1-51
Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:33; Haggai 1:3-9; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Chronicles 3:1-2; Colossians 3:23-24
INTRODUCTION:
After completing the house of the Lord in seven years, Solomon began to build his personal palace. Interestingly, his own palace took thirteen years—almost double the time he spent on God’s house. Chapter 7 also describes the completion of the temple furnishings and the involvement of a skilled craftsman named Hiram from Tyre.
This passage gives us a careful look at how Solomon handled his personal ambitions alongside divine assignments. While it is not sinful to pursue excellence or personal goals, we must never prioritise self over the sacred. The chapter reminds us that God’s work must come first, and our personal interests should follow in proper balance.
It also highlights the value of skill, craftsmanship, and detailed attention when it comes to finishing what we start for God. The beauty of the temple was not just in its structure, but in its details. God is glorified when we finish His work with excellence and precision.
1. KINGDOM PROJECTS MUST NOT BE NEGLECTED FOR PERSONAL AMBITION
Solomon completed God's house before building his own.
a) “But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years…” (1 Kings 7:1)
He delayed personal comfort for the sake of divine priority.
b) A true servant-leader places God's will before personal convenience
Solomon set an example by finishing the temple first.
c) When personal dreams come before kingdom purpose, imbalance and pride follow
We must not let personal pursuits distract us from God’s call.
d) God's house must not suffer while we build ours in splendour
Even our desires must submit to divine order.
Biblical Example: In Haggai’s time, the people built their panelled houses while neglecting God’s temple (Haggai 1:4-9).
2. EXCELLENCE IN GOD’S WORK GLORIFIES HIM AND REFLECTS OUR HONOUR FOR HIM
Solomon employed skilled workers to beautify God’s house.
a) “He sent and brought Huram… filled with wisdom, understanding and skill.” (1 Kings 7:13-14)
God’s work deserves the best gifts and talents.
b) Excellence in ministry is not showmanship—it’s honour for God
Craftsmanship, planning, and beauty reflect divine order.
c) Every gift—artistic, technical, or spiritual—has a place in God's kingdom
Huram was a metalworker, but his work was sacred.
d) We must give our best to the Lord in everything we do
Mediocrity dishonours the One we serve.
Biblical Example: Bezalel was filled with the Spirit to craft the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1-6.
3. GOD’S WORK REQUIRES ATTENTION TO DETAILS AND COMPLETION
Solomon ensured that every temple furnishing was finished properly.
a) “So Huram finished doing all the work that he was to do for King Solomon…” (1 Kings 7:40)
Finishing well is as important as starting.
b) Many begin spiritual projects but fail to finish due to distraction or weariness
Solomon followed through till the last detail was done.
c) The glory of a thing is in its completion
God is not glorified in abandoned assignments.
d) What we build for God must reflect order, intentionality, and closure
The temple became complete and ready for dedication.
Biblical Example: Paul said, “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7).
4. PERSONAL PROJECTS SHOULD NOT TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER GOD’S GLORY
Though Solomon built a magnificent palace, the temple remained central.
a) “And he made the pillars… and the sea… and the lavers…” (1 Kings 7:45-47)
Solomon finished the items for God’s house before he used his palace.
b) Our excellence in personal life must flow from honour for God—not replace it
God must remain the centre of all we do.
c) Prosperity becomes dangerous when it leads to pride and spiritual carelessness
Solomon later lost focus partly because of personal indulgence.
d) Wealth and wisdom are not wrong—but they must remain under divine submission
The temple was still Solomon’s most important work.
Biblical Example: The rich fool in Luke 12 built great barns for himself but forgot eternity (Luke 12:16-21).
5. GODLY LEADERS BALANCE THEIR PERSONAL BLESSINGS WITH KINGDOM RESPONSIBILITIES
Solomon managed both the palace and the temple with organisation.
a) “All these were made of burnished bronze… in great abundance.” (1 Kings 7:47)
He did not neglect one for the other.
b) Leadership requires wisdom to handle personal, spiritual, and national responsibilities
Balance is a mark of maturity.
c) God blesses us so we can build His house, not just our own
Solomon's resources were used to honour God first.
d) A wise leader remains humble no matter how much he builds for himself
We must never forget the Giver in the midst of the gifts.
Biblical Example: David stored his personal treasures to prepare for God’s house (1 Chronicles 29:1-5).
CONCLUSION:
1 Kings 7 reminds us that while it is not wrong to build personal projects, God's house and His priorities must always come first. The glory belongs to Him, not us. We must be intentional in ensuring that our excellence, talents, and wealth serve God's purpose above all else.
God wants us to live balanced lives—lives that reflect devotion, stewardship, and spiritual discipline. Let us strive to be people who honour God in our building, our finishing, and our personal pursuits.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to always prioritise Your purpose above my personal ambitions.
2. Give me the discipline to finish every divine assignment with excellence.
3. May I never neglect Your house while building mine.
4. Father, use my talents and resources to glorify Your name.
5. Teach me to live in balance and wisdom, putting You first in all things.
