First, Know God

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.” [1 Chronicles 28.9-10]

For our benefit, David's charge to Solomon for his preparation to build the Temple was timeless as far as a relationship with God goes.

First, there was a 'traditional' aspect to serving God.  Solomon was not necessarily encouraged to learn 'new things' about God, but to intimately know God as his ancestors did.

Next, David instructed Solomon to worship and serve the LORD with all his being (whole heart plus willing mind). David furthermore both encouraged and warned Solomon that the LORD would reciprocate Solomon's devotion or lack thereof respectively.  David pointed out how serious the matter was.

After laying out the directives for how to live, David finally instructed Solomon on what to do - built a Temple for God.

The point for us today is to first, know God ("worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind"). Then, and only then, can we make Him known ("do the work").

Father, help me to focus today on knowing You more. I want to "do the work" but I realize that any effort to do so without first knowing You intimately is doomed to failure.