Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship.

1 Kings 3:3

This is the genesis of Solomon’s downfall. Am I in downfall? Would I recognize it?

What is my “except?”

• Am I in association with someone the Lord has forbidden?
• Am I participating in something the Lord has forbidden?
• Am I willing to seek the Lord regarding this?
• Am I willing to walk away from the person or activity?

A prayer to identify my except, and prevent or stop my downfall:

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
Psalm 139:1-2 (MSG)

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139:23-24 (MSG)

God’s enemies still say this today:

“Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.”
Psalm 83:4

Same fight; different day.

Am I willing to identify my “except?”