Read Ecclesiastes 5 – 8

As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand (Ecc. 5:15).

What do we live for in life? People live for many things. They form life plans and do their best to stick to them. Many live for their careers. They feel if they can make a big enough impact in their field they will be remembered. A doctor or scientist may be feeling if they can discover a cure for a particular disease and bring healing to many that their legacy will be assured. An artist may believe a painting or sculpture will live far beyond their years, providing comfort and beauty to others. These facts may be true. Others may do this simply for the money alone.

Still others may live for their families. They may fall into the category of trying to live vicariously through their children. They will give them the things they never had. They want their children to have the lives that they wanted themselves. This may be grounded in good intentions, but more times than not turns out badly. Some may live their lives for a recreation, pastime or hobby. They are holding on to a childhood dream. They hold out hope for years that it will finally come to fruition. Sadly, life often passes them by.

This is not a testament against working for a cause, having high hopes for family or living a dream. On the contrary, it is an encouragement to have a full life. A life that means something in the grand scheme of things.

The trouble is that when we plan things we then desire these things for our life, and we will sacrifice as much as we have to get it. There are a lot of “we”s in that sentence. If we were speaking of ourselves alone, it would be “me” that was being said. It brings to mind a man in the Bible. And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided (Luke 12:16-20)?

This man had laid out many plans. Who knows? He might have had good intentions. The trouble is God was not in his thoughts. There is nothing that we build in this life that will last unless we are building for God. A relationship with God will bring eternal life. The Lord will give us the call to accomplish eternal things for Him.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:20).

Thought for Today:

God expects us to do what we promise just as He never fails to do.

Christ Revealed:

As One who expects us to keep our vows made to Him (Eccl. 5:4). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12).

Word Studies:

5:12 suffer, permit; 5:13 sore evil, great adversity or affliction; 5:14 evil travail, misfortunes; 6:3 an untimely birth, stillbirth or miscarriage; 7:2 lay, take; 7:12 excellency, advantage; 7:26 bands, chains.

Prayer Suggestion: Call to the Lord for help; He will save you out of your troubles (Ps. 34:17).

Optional Reading: Hebrews 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:10

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