Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (KJV)
Of all the wisdom in Ecclesiastes, this is perhaps the most well-known and repeated refrain. Ironically, it's one of the concepts that we often have the most difficulty embracing. One of my favorite pieces in our home is a cross-stitched picture of a flower that has been framed. It reads, "Bloom where God has planted you". Sadly, many of us wish we were somewhere else....maybe even "anywhere but here". Maybe we are in an uncomfortable place because of our own decisions. I'm reminded of a verse in Proverbs:
Prov 19:3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the LORD. (NKJ)
We can become bitter and blame others (even God!) because we are reaping the consequences of our own poor choices. But I want to talk to you today about contentment. This book we've been talking about for the past few weeks deals a lot with the subject of contentment and fulfillment. Part of learning to be content is learning to embrace the seasons of life. Many are stuck in the past. They long for the "good old" days to come back again. I suppose this is human nature. Remember the children of Israel and the story of the Exodus? They were miserable in Egyptian bondage and cried for deliverance. God saw their misery and answered their pleas. But a (not so) funny thing happened once they crossed the Red Sea. They started longing for the "good old days" of Egypt:
Num 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: Num 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. (KJV)
They couldn't embrace the current season of their lives. They were eating angel's food as free men and women, but they longed for the days when they ate fish as slaves. We have a tendency to remember things better than they really were. For the children of Israel, the wilderness and the supply of manna was what God intended for them in that season. God had their best interests at heart. But they couldn't see beyond where they were at the moment and couldn't appreciate that this was all part of "the journey". Life is not just a series of mountaintops and summits to reach. It is a journey- one that we ought to enjoy and appreciate.
On the other hand, some are preoccupied with the future. I remember the longest year of my life. Boy, time sure seems to fly now (Mom & Dad always said it would when I got older....guess they were right after all!). But I think the longest year recorded in human history was between my 15th and 16th birthdays. I just knew that once I was able to drive a car all by myself, I would be the happiest guy on the planet. Guys can you relate to what I'm saying? And I'm not going to lie- that 16th birthday was pretty special!!! On a more serious note however, many believers cannot enjoy the present because of an inordinate fascination with the future. Jesus gave us an indication about how we are to live. We are not to worry about the future- all the worrying in the world, won't change it! And most likely, if you cannot find a place of contentment now....it will elude you in the future as well!
The Apostle Paul made a statement about contentment that provides a great model for all of us:
Php 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Php 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Php 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)
I'm not going to go on a huge rabbit trail here (at least I hope not!) but here is where "bible promise" theology falls short. Philippians 4:13 would surely be among the top 20- maybe top 10 of all-time favorite bible verses- and rightly so! But part of doing "all things" through Christ involves learning to be content. I'm thankful that Paul says that he "learned" to be content in any situation. That means quite possibly, that it didn't come natural for him, even though he was an Apostle. These words become all the more powerful, when you realize that Paul wrote them as a prisoner. Paul knew what it was to be hungry, to go through "lean" seasons of life. He knew how to face adversity and (in his own words) to "be brought low". It is not only erroneous theology, but it's just not logical to expect that every season of life will be pleasant. One of the most unpleasant things I ever experienced was watching my grandfather die a painful death from acute leukemia. But even in that, the bible says there is "a time to die". And even in my sadness, I know it's only temporal, because I'll see him again!
The Preacher says these words:
Ecc 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (KJV)
There is something beautiful about appreciating the season of life you're in. I have a "reasoning" brain- I'm always trying to make sense of every situation. I like to know the answer(s) to the "why" question(s). Frankly, some situations just don't make sense! Some people will make shipwreck of their faith because they're trying to make sense of something that only God understands fully. To this day, there are seasons of my life that simply don't make sense to me. Perhaps in eternity they will be explained. Or maybe, it won't even be a concern then. But I'm learning (....and admittedly, I'm not completely there yet) to be content in the different seasons of my life. Thankfully, God knows exactly what He's doing, and we can trust Him with the outcomes even while we're still learning.
The bible is filled with examples of men at different seasons in life. Joseph's story is incredible- Hollywood could not script a story with more twists and turns. But through it all, God was with him. And we could go on and on- Moses who had three very significant seasons of life- in 40 year spans (read Acts 7:20-36 if you get a chance), Paul's life , etc. etc. Life was meant to be enjoyed; not simply endured! I realize that even as I type this, some of you are suffering. Perhaps you've just lost a loved one. Maybe you're going through some type of physical infirmity. Or maybe you're just in a spiritual slump and feel depressed. It's been an exceptionally cold and wet winter here in North Carolina this year. But I guarantee you that I will appreciate Spring that much more when it arrives. You may be in your winter season right now, but rest assured- spring is coming!
Psa 30:5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (ESV)
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The World Is Not Enough
Ecc 2:11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. (ESV)
Today, we're continuing our look at the sermon by "The Preacher" from the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 2 reads like a biography of my generation: "we've tried it all, and we're still not happy". Solomon is uniquely qualified to teach us about greener pastures. After all, his pasture was the greenest before "going green" was even considered cool. This man was living (what most would consider) the dream life. And since he was the wisest man of his day, it stands to reason that we ought to listen to him when he speaks. Solomon dispels the "if only..." myth that seems to drive so many of us. What is the "if only" myth you ask? In short, it's the idea that your life would be better- and you would be happy.....if only (fill-in-the-blank) would happen. Let's look at some of the basic tenets of the "if only" myth.
First he speaks of pleasure. He looks for fulfillment in amusement, wine, and laughter/entertainment. His conclusion? All is vanity. None of those things have the power to fill the longing of the soul. Very seldom do I share much autobiographical information in these blogs except for the occasional confession (humility is good for the soul). Here might be a good opportunity for me to let you peer into my past for just a moment. There was a time when I looked for fulfillment in all the wrong places. Many of you are aware that I'm a musician. But there was a time when I looked for music (in particular, the music industry) to bring me a sense of fulfillment. I never had what anyone would consider commercial success, but I still had dreams and goals just like anyone else. I played before big crowds, and small ones too. I played guitar in large venues and in some places that were pretty far under the radar. But all of those experiences had one thing in common; an inability to satisfy that deepest longing within my heart, and a real sense of purpose in life. I can remember vividly coming home after a certain performance where things went particularly well. The band was well-received, and applause was in no short supply. But after the lights went down and everyone went home, I was still left with a question ; " is this ALL there is to life?".
Solomon then speaks of some of his accomplishments. He was involved in massive building projects. Not the least of which was a magnificent temple for God. Here is a great warning for all of those who seek to find fulfillment in their ministry instead of their relationship with God. Solomon accomplished what even his father, the great King David was not able to do- build a temple for the Most High God! His own palace was magnificent too, some 13 years in the making (I Kings 7:1). He had knowledge about forestry, zoology, and could probably speak knowledgeably in most any environment . People came from all over the world to hear what he had to say (see I Kings 4:29-34). Did this make him happy? Apparently not.
And what about his love life? I Kings 11:3 records that he had 700 wives (princesses) and 300 concubines. These eventually led him away from devotion to the Lord and became a stumbling block to him. Solomon describes his acclamation of wealth and how he had the ability to feast with the best of them- with the finest of musicians and singers to provide entertainment at his bidding. By all accounts, The Preacher was living the dream. By his own admission- he declares that he was "the man":
Ecc 2:9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. (ESV)
He was living at the top of the social stratosphere. And unlike many of today's celebrities and larger-than-life personalities- he was able to maintain his sensibilities. His wisdom remained with him. He was enjoying the best that life had to offer, and he had enough sense not to allow excess to be the ruin of his mind. Now to put an exclamation point on all of this- Solomon makes a confession that few of us (if any) can relate to:
Ecc 2:10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. (ESV)
He basically tells us that he got everything that he ever wanted. I really don't think we can appreciate the full weight and import of what Solomon has just told us. Literally- not figuratively- the man has everything that money can buy- and whatever that leaves out, he was able to acquire through wisdom and power/influence. So, was this enough to make the man happy?
Ecc 2:11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. (ESV)
No, he then tells us that even the world was not enough! The rest of the chapter is pretty much summarized by Solomon's lamentations over the brevity of life. All the wisdom, money, and power in the world could not prevent his death. And furthermore, his death guaranteed that he had no control over what would be done with his assets and accomplishments in his absence. So what does that mean for us? What lessons can we glean from the Preacher this week?
I'm sure there are many lessons that can be learned, but I'll briefly summarize my thoughts. Here is a man who had it all, and realized it wasn't enough. There is nothing necessarily wrong with amusement, entertainment, and enjoyment as long as they do not become idols. After all, Jesus came to give us life and to give it more abundantly (or to the full!). We are told that God has given us things in life that we might enjoy them (I Tim 6:17). But they don't have the power to provide the sense of purpose and fulfillment that we were created for. That can only be found in a person. And His name is Jesus Christ.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to sharing more with you from this awesome book in the near future!
Today, we're continuing our look at the sermon by "The Preacher" from the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 2 reads like a biography of my generation: "we've tried it all, and we're still not happy". Solomon is uniquely qualified to teach us about greener pastures. After all, his pasture was the greenest before "going green" was even considered cool. This man was living (what most would consider) the dream life. And since he was the wisest man of his day, it stands to reason that we ought to listen to him when he speaks. Solomon dispels the "if only..." myth that seems to drive so many of us. What is the "if only" myth you ask? In short, it's the idea that your life would be better- and you would be happy.....if only (fill-in-the-blank) would happen. Let's look at some of the basic tenets of the "if only" myth.
First he speaks of pleasure. He looks for fulfillment in amusement, wine, and laughter/entertainment. His conclusion? All is vanity. None of those things have the power to fill the longing of the soul. Very seldom do I share much autobiographical information in these blogs except for the occasional confession (humility is good for the soul). Here might be a good opportunity for me to let you peer into my past for just a moment. There was a time when I looked for fulfillment in all the wrong places. Many of you are aware that I'm a musician. But there was a time when I looked for music (in particular, the music industry) to bring me a sense of fulfillment. I never had what anyone would consider commercial success, but I still had dreams and goals just like anyone else. I played before big crowds, and small ones too. I played guitar in large venues and in some places that were pretty far under the radar. But all of those experiences had one thing in common; an inability to satisfy that deepest longing within my heart, and a real sense of purpose in life. I can remember vividly coming home after a certain performance where things went particularly well. The band was well-received, and applause was in no short supply. But after the lights went down and everyone went home, I was still left with a question ; " is this ALL there is to life?".
Solomon then speaks of some of his accomplishments. He was involved in massive building projects. Not the least of which was a magnificent temple for God. Here is a great warning for all of those who seek to find fulfillment in their ministry instead of their relationship with God. Solomon accomplished what even his father, the great King David was not able to do- build a temple for the Most High God! His own palace was magnificent too, some 13 years in the making (I Kings 7:1). He had knowledge about forestry, zoology, and could probably speak knowledgeably in most any environment . People came from all over the world to hear what he had to say (see I Kings 4:29-34). Did this make him happy? Apparently not.
And what about his love life? I Kings 11:3 records that he had 700 wives (princesses) and 300 concubines. These eventually led him away from devotion to the Lord and became a stumbling block to him. Solomon describes his acclamation of wealth and how he had the ability to feast with the best of them- with the finest of musicians and singers to provide entertainment at his bidding. By all accounts, The Preacher was living the dream. By his own admission- he declares that he was "the man":
Ecc 2:9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. (ESV)
He was living at the top of the social stratosphere. And unlike many of today's celebrities and larger-than-life personalities- he was able to maintain his sensibilities. His wisdom remained with him. He was enjoying the best that life had to offer, and he had enough sense not to allow excess to be the ruin of his mind. Now to put an exclamation point on all of this- Solomon makes a confession that few of us (if any) can relate to:
Ecc 2:10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. (ESV)
He basically tells us that he got everything that he ever wanted. I really don't think we can appreciate the full weight and import of what Solomon has just told us. Literally- not figuratively- the man has everything that money can buy- and whatever that leaves out, he was able to acquire through wisdom and power/influence. So, was this enough to make the man happy?
Ecc 2:11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. (ESV)
No, he then tells us that even the world was not enough! The rest of the chapter is pretty much summarized by Solomon's lamentations over the brevity of life. All the wisdom, money, and power in the world could not prevent his death. And furthermore, his death guaranteed that he had no control over what would be done with his assets and accomplishments in his absence. So what does that mean for us? What lessons can we glean from the Preacher this week?
I'm sure there are many lessons that can be learned, but I'll briefly summarize my thoughts. Here is a man who had it all, and realized it wasn't enough. There is nothing necessarily wrong with amusement, entertainment, and enjoyment as long as they do not become idols. After all, Jesus came to give us life and to give it more abundantly (or to the full!). We are told that God has given us things in life that we might enjoy them (I Tim 6:17). But they don't have the power to provide the sense of purpose and fulfillment that we were created for. That can only be found in a person. And His name is Jesus Christ.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to sharing more with you from this awesome book in the near future!
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