"God is Solomon at the Door"

God is Solomon at the door. He woos us all our lives. He sees beauty where others do not. He is a jealous lover, wooing us to engage; to be betrothed. He woos us with beauty, wonder, joy, peace and all those things in life, which, in a moment, can be so much better than life itself.

We engage lesser loves, lesser lovers: loves that enslave us by their exclusivity—their eminence, their firstness. Loves that say, “Love me, and nothing else. Nothing else matters. Only me.” Exhaustive loves that make all else in life things to be feared or ignored.

God says, “Love me, and there’ll always be more to love.” His is a love that brings light to our eyes, to our world. All other loves exhaust. His love enlivens.

Love people first and injustice will rob you of your love for God (and eventually your love for people). Love God first, and injustice will only fuel your love for both.

Love yourself first, and the shame of others will bring you glory, while their glory brings you shame. Love God first, and glory is something to be shared, where shame is overshadowed by grace.

Love God first, and life’s a crescendo. Love whatever else first, and the song’s about to end.

Love God FIRST, and life’s the sky; all things good beneath it have been given by God to be enjoyed, and within the context of his love, enjoying them is enjoying Him. Love the things THEMSELVES FIRST, and there is no sky, only earth, and no good light in which to see it.

            Other loves unmake us.

            God’s love gives freedom and purpose,

            and a life in which to become

            all He’s loving us to be.