Aligning with the Right Person  – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 27, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of 1 Kings tells the story of Israel’s kings, starting with Solomon, David’s son. Solomon became king after his father, David, and was known for his incredible wisdom and wealth. The author, traditionally thought to be Jeremiah, wrote this book to show how Israel’s kings either followed God or turned away from Him, and what happened as a result. This specific verse, 1 Kings 3:1, sets the stage for both Solomon’s early success and, unknowingly at the time, the seeds of his future struggles.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word alliance. In Hebrew, a common word for a formal agreement or alliance is bĕrît (בְּרִית). It means a covenant, a treaty, or a league. It’s a serious agreement, often with promises and terms. When Solomon made an “alliance” with Pharaoh, he wasn’t just shaking hands; he was entering into a deeply binding political and family agreement that would shape the future of his kingdom. God often made a bĕrît with His people, and He expected them to keep their word. This word shows us how serious Solomon’s action was, not just a casual friendship, but a binding agreement with consequences.

Solomon’s First Compromise

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, began his journey toward spiritual decline with a series of choices that weren’t quite right. One of the biggest was marrying the daughter of Pharaoh. He did this because he really wanted to set up a political alliance with Egypt. You see, it was a very smart, strategic move for his kingdom from a worldly viewpoint.

But for all practical reasons, Solomon “yoked” himself unequally with someone who wasn’t a believer. This was something God had clearly told His people not to do. God had specifically instructed the Jewish people not to intermarry with other nations around them. This wasn’t about what race someone was; it was absolutely a spiritual issue.

God’s Clear Warning on Relationships

God didn’t want the Israelites joining with people who worshipped false gods. He knew, deep down, how strong the pull of idolatry could be. He understood that the hearts of the Israelites would turn away from Him if they built close relationships with people who didn’t share their faith.

This warning from God should still feel true for us today. We have an enemy, the devil, who will use anything—and that includes other people—to mess up our relationship with God. And when those other unbelieving people make us feel a romantic attraction, their negative effect gets even bigger. It’s a powerful tool the enemy uses to get us off track.

Samson’s Downfall: A Cautionary Tale

Think about Samson, maybe the strongest man who ever lived. That’s how the devil brought him down. Samson had a natural liking for Philistine women, even though they weren’t just idol worshippers; they were also enemies of Israel. The devil took that natural attraction and made it grow until Samson completely forgot his spiritual duties to chase after relationships that weren’t well thought out. His choices ended up causing him so much pain and losing his calling.

Running the Race of Life Together

The path that’s set before us as God’s people is a tough one. A smart plan is to run this race with someone who loves the Lord just as much as you do. You’ll need someone by your side who shares your beliefs and your direction in life.

If you’re a single person right now, you should pray for and patiently wait on the godly man or woman that the Lord will bring into your life. You can be absolutely sure He wouldn’t want you romantically involved with a person who doesn’t believe in Him. The struggles, the temptations, and the negative influences that come with such a relationship are simply too big to just ignore. They will wear you down and pull you away from what God has for you.

The Bible tells us very plainly, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15 nlt). This isn’t just advice; it’s a clear guideline for how to live your life well.

In the race of life, you really want to run with someone who is going in the same direction as you. And if you’re Christians, both you and your partner will be running toward the Lord and His plan and purpose for your lives. You’re aiming for the same goal, moving with the same heart.

Be Wiser Than Solomon

Solomon did not live by that principle. He teamed up with people who didn’t share his faith or his God. He made alliances that seemed smart in the world’s eyes but cost him so much spiritually in the end. He eventually turned his heart away from God because of these relationships.

You can be wiser than the wisest man who ever lived. Don’t become a partner with an unbeliever. Protect your heart, protect your faith, and protect your future by choosing someone who runs with you toward God.

How do you find out if someone is spiritually heading in the same direction as you?

It starts with really getting to know them. Watch their actions more than just listening to their words. Do they have a genuine desire for God, or is it just something they say? Look at their priorities: do they spend time with God, read their Bible, and go to church? Do they serve others? When tough times come, where do they turn? Do they look to God for strength and wisdom, or do they rely only on themselves? How do they talk about God and spiritual things? Are they growing in their faith, or do they seem uninterested? See if their daily choices show they’re truly trying to live for Jesus. It’s about seeing if their life truly matches what they say they believe, and if that belief is heading the same way yours is—towards God and His will.