Instruction
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
Written by the wisest man to ever live, King Solomon,
Ecclesiastes investigates the wisdom of a long life in a broken world. It notes
the vanity, that is, the meaninglessness that people experience and finds that
meaningful life can only happen when a person begins from a right relationship
with God. This passage looks back across life and notes that money cannot truly
satisfy a person; not only is there a desire to accumulate more, but there is
also concern and worry that comes from wealth. The passage serves as a message
encouraging contentment with one’s lot in life knowing that He has placed us in
our place and provided all that we have.
Teaching
People generally assume the being wealthy is a good thing.
But Solomon observes that this is not necessarily the case. He had seen the
dissatisfaction that came with wealth and how wealth can actually hurt the one
who holds it. Solomon would urge us to not desire wealth but to desire
enjoyment in the work we have to do with our hands and in the food and drink
that we have before us. Indeed to accept our toil and to rejoice in it is seen
as a gift from God.
Another way to speak of what Solomon is exploring here is
contentment. It is a blessed thing to be content with where God has placed us
and to learn that we don’t need to strive after things that we can’t take with
us in the end.
Life
A restaurant owner once quipped, “You don’t own a restaurant.
It owns you.” How true that statement is of the many things we own! A house
requires upkeep, wealth demands protection, comforts must be cared for, and
cars require maintenance. The more we have the more we are responsible for.
That is not necessarily bad in itself, but these things can be distractions
that keep us from enjoying life and the greater blessings that God has given us
– especially the right relationship He has given us with Himself in Christ. How
often do we neglect our prayers, devotions, and time with God because of other
“stuff” that has somehow become more important than Him? No wonder we feel
dissatisfied!
As St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless, until they
can find rest in You.” Thanks be to God that He has given us release from such
restlessness by giving us faith to trust that He provides all things for us.
Prayer
O God, the way our hearts yearn for wealth is so foolish! We
see how it can distract us from walking with You and how our possessions bring
troubles into our lives.
Thank You for all that You have provided. Everything we have
is from You, even our very selves. Thank You for our work, our place in life,
and the ability to enjoy all things that come from You.
Forgive us for having our hearts set on wealth and for not
being content with the lot in life You have given us. Forgive us for not having
enjoyment in our food, drink, and work, and for constantly wanting something
more, different, or, as we think, better.
Grant that the things of this world would never take hold of
our hearts, but that our hearts would cling to Christ and His cross. Let us
find joy and contentment in Your great blessings. Amen.
Comments