A Meaningless Life

Scripture: There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15

Observation: Ecclesiastes is SUCH an uplifting book ... :-(

Anyway, In the long list of everything that is meaningless in the world is this - that righteous people get punishment, and wicked people get blessings. So, the author concludes, everyone should live their lives in a manner that is pleasing and not fret about this - it is meaningless.

What the author is actually saying is NOT to do whatever one wants because life is meaningless. What he is saying is that it is not possible to understand the meaning of the cause and effective of our lives on earth, as that knowledge belongs only to God. Therefore, we should be righteous without relating the results to our actions, and enjoy that life. If we dwell on everything we do - fret about the idea that if we enjoy ourselves too much we may bring punishment upon ourselves - we will not experience joy in life. And that is what God desires - that we receive joy even while we toil on earth.

Application: There is a concept here that can only be found in a very close reading of the text. Life is filled with toil, strife, hardship, and pain, and the manifestations of those conditions have nothing to do with our righteousness. However, we can still seek and receive joy from God to offset those hardships!

This is a very special reminder that "the lord provides" in my life. He is the giver of all blessings, and I know this. Even while I am super-stressed at work right now, he is blessing my life with my family. He guides me to solutions, and provides good food, nice drink, friendly company, and love.

The "stuff" of life is meaningless. The relationship with God, the love he provides, the joy he showers upon me ... and my response to God with love, service, worship, and prayer ... is the meaning of life.

Prayer: Lord ... thank you for your provision in all things. I know you continue to bless me beyond what I could ever deserve, and I also know that, if those blessings were all removed, that would not change your love for me. May I serve you always and only. Amen.