1 Kings 5:5 (NKJV)
“And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to my father David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build the house for My name.’”

As I look through human history, we see men and women who have purposed and proposed things in their hearts, and eventually, what they purposed became reality. History is full of men and women who shaped their world by simply dreaming big.

While the NKJV uses the word “propose,” in the AMPC and the NIV, the words used are “purpose” and “intend.” These three words complement each other but shed different dimensions on the same issue: the issue of dreaming big in the Lord’s name.

From the NKJV perspective, David made a proposal. He proposed or declared a suggestion from his heart. Peradventure the idea came from his father or from a vision he had had, but he was the one making the proposal in public.

The AMPC and NIV show Solomon not only making a proposal but also making it a deliberate intention and purpose. Solomon cleared a pathway in his mind of what he intended to do, and that became his purpose.

One key factor in all this is that it was Solomon who decided to build a house for the name of the Lord. In each translation, Solomon says clearly, “I propose to build,” or “I purpose to build.” It was Solomon’s decision. This is very important.

Although it was God’s will and God had spoken to his father, David, about it, God had to put the desire and willingness in Solomon’s heart. It became Solomon’s vision and dream. Solomon owned it and pursued it as his ambition and assignment.

Another key factor is the reason why Solomon was doing it. He was not doing it to make his name great, but it was for “the name of the LORD my God.” Purpose and intentions are important, but the reason behind the purpose is even more important.

So many people have great visions and actually achieve them, but most of the time, it has nothing to do with the glory of God. We are called to be different. We are called to dream big and aim high, but it must be for the name and glory of the Lord.

Let’s be like Nimrod in Genesis 10:8-12, who was a mighty warrior. People called him a “mighty hunter before the Lord.” Even though he built many cities and did many exploits, people attributed everything he did to the Lord. His motivation was clear.

Dream big. Own your dreams. Let them originate from godly intentions and make them your purpose. Pursue them, but make it clear that all you are doing is only for His glory and not yours. What we do for His glory will stand the test of time and bring Him joy.

@ChineduOranye
RestlessPilgrim.org