READING: Ecclesiastes 1-6, Galatians 3:1-26
Pam and I work hard at all we do. And, had you told us when we married 28+ years ago that we would have what we have today, we wouldn’t have believed you. God has blessed us in so many ways that it’s hard for me to believe. When I stop and think about the “stuff” we’ve gained, though, I realize just how little lasting pleasure that “stuff” can give. Any sense of joy that things bring is fleeting indeed.
The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized the same reality. His summary of what he had accomplished is quite impressive in the world’s eyes: “I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock—large herds and flocks—more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men” (Eccles 2:4-8). He still worked hard, and he didn’t ignore wisdom, but still he learned that all his efforts did not bring the reward he hoped.
That’s a good reminder for all of us today. All that we do is “futile and a pursuit of the wind” (Eccles 2:11), and only a relationship with God can satisfy. The things we achieve cannot be an end in themselves.
PRAYER: “Help me, God, not to become idolatrous over stuff that doesn’t satisfy.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ecclesiastes 7-12, Galatians 3:27-4:20
