What is the Meaning in Life

Can I find real meaning in Work?

Ecclesiastes 2:18–22 NLT

18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. 19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! 20 So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. 21 Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. 22 So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety?

Can I find real meaning in Pleasurable activities?

Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 NLT

1 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. 4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT

10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Then where can I find real Purpose and Meaning in Life???

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT

2 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”

At this point you may be wondering what else could I turn to in order to actually experience a lasting Joy! Not one that thrills me for awhile but then fades until my new obsession starts. Are you tired of just making it through another day and not having any meaning in the end?

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 NASB95

13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Solomon had so much more to write and bring to the table through this book. And when you read it, it is almost kind of depressing to hear how meaningless everything Solomon discovered to be. He mentions things which are good. Like working hard and enjoying the fruit of your labor. But when comparing it to your lifetime and eternity, he realizes that is is meaningless.

Basically, Solomon gets to this conclusion: Everything that this world has to offer will come to an end and you cannot take any of it with you.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

It is rather interesting that if we are honest with ourselves, we know that there is something more than just life here on earth. If you are to truly search yourself, you will discover this to be true!

So what advise does he give? He says to fear God and obey Him. For the results of us doing these things will last for an eternity. He also mentions that everything we do will be under judgement. Was it profitable or godly? Or was it evil and sinful? Everything we do is brought to light under God’s just judgement. Praise God for Jesus! For that means my sins have been paid in full!

Don’t Waste Your Summer!

This has been my repeating message over the last few weeks to my students. And I confess that I myself have not yet done a great job of this these past few weeks. The business of life has pushed back my QTs and my prayer life. It is not where I want to be! I DON’T want to waste my summer!

Lord please help me and those around me to remember what in life is truly meaningful and what will truly give me purpose and delight! That is YOU!!!