Previously we read King Solomon’s words in the wonderful book of Ecclesiastes concerning the experiences of life. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry and so on. Most people can relate to his observations of experiencing life in this “help, we’ve fallen and we can’t get up” world. Solomon also shares the meaning of life although not as many folks so easily accept his words.
What is the meaning of life according to Ecclesiastes? Well, much of the book is written to tell us what is not meaningful. Solomon says he tried all kinds of things to make his life a meaningful one. He did the workaholic bit and realized all his gain would end when he died. He chased after all the popular “P‘s” and came up empty. You know the P’s?
Pursuit of
Position leads to
Power and that leads to
Possessions followed by
Prestige which brings
Popularity leading to
Pleasure which opens up a
Pandora’s box of more
Pursuits leading to…and…
Solomon concluded all of it was vanity and chasing of the wind. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Eccl 1:2) He who dies with the most toys does not win!
Instead Solomon tells us: “HE has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of the past.” (3:11-15)
Meaning is the eternal in our hearts - living with forever in view, not just what’s in front of me now. Meaning is not only the extraordinary of life but the common as well - all is a gift of God. Meaning is comprehending we are forever creatures made in the image of a forever God. Meaning is knowing God’s eternal and perfect work. Meaning is reverence and worship of our Creator and Judge. Without these life will have no meaning, no how, no way.
Solomon ends with this: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (12:13-14)
The meaning of life is a relationship with God. This is man’s all. Anything else is vanity and chasing of the wind. If you are running on empty and tired of wind chasing, HE says, “ Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:2b)