1 Kings 11:1
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Solomon started out so well. Many good things could be said about Solomon, but three letters changed the great future that he had. The three letters that changed Solomon’s life was the conjunction “but.” Solomon built a house for the LORD “but.” Solomon initially heeded his father’s advice “but.” Solomon was the wisest man in his day, “but.” Solomon was the wealthiest man in his day, “but.” Those three little letters changed his whole future. It didn't matter how many good qualities Solomon had; the “but” in his life minimized the reach of what he could have done for God had he not introduced this conjunction in his life.
There are many people who have great qualities but also have a “but” in their lives that inhibits their ability to be for God what they could be for Him. We all know people who have great personalities “but.” We know people who are great organizers “but.” We know people who are great builders, but the “but” in their lives minimizes what they could have done for God. If you want to be all you can be for God, you must remove the “but” in your life that hinders what God could do through you. Let me show you several things these three letters will do to your life.
First, the “but” in your life produces bad habits. Bad habits are created when you allow the “but” to come into your life. Every bad habit you have is because you did right, “but.” Remove the “but” in your life and you will remove the bad habits.
Second, the “but” in your life gives you bad associations. Solomon found the strange wives because he had a “but” in his life. The “but” always places you in a crowd that you would never go to without the conjunction in your life. You will find that you will remove the “but” in your life when you get rid of your bad associations.
Third, the “but” in your life will destroy what you have given your life to build. Solomon gave his life to build the temple so Israel had one place to worship, but his “but” caused Israel to build altars in other places. Many have given their lives to build something great only to be destroyed because they allowed a “but” in their life. Many great ministries have been destroyed because someone let a “but” in their life. Many great Christians did well until they allowed a “but” in their life which destroyed their testimony. If you don't want what you have built to be destroyed, don't allow a “but” in your life.
Fourth, the “but” in your life produces adversaries that you will fight for the rest of your life. Many people introduced a “but” in their life only to have to fight its consequences for the rest of their lives. If you don't want to fight the bad consequences of the “but” you are considering, then never let it become a part of your life. Yes, you may remove the “but,” but many have had to live with the lifelong consequences that this conjunction placed in their lives.
My friend, three little letters can make a big impact on your life. Whatever the “but” is in your life, let me encourage you to remove it before it destroys what God can do through you. The “but” in your life will destroy your spirit and minimize God’s blessings. Remove the “but” in your life if you want to enjoy God’s blessings to their fullest.