The Meaning of Contentment in a Meaningless World Part 2

Your heart longs for eternal things because God has put eternity in your heart. Therefore, worldly delights will not satisfy eternal longings. You can put their entire world, with all of its lust and desires, in your heart and it still will want more. John D. Rockefeller was one of the richest men in the world, but when someone asked him how much money was enough, he famously said, “Just a little bit more.” Eternal longings need eternal satisfaction. Worldly wealth, with its earthly limits, will not do it.

Your wealth attracts Freeloaders and the Feds (Eccl 5:11)

Ecclesiastes 5:11 ESV

When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?

Wealth will not bring you contentment in this world because once you have it, you have to deal with the reality that everybody wants a piece of it. Freeloaders come to live like a parasite, and the government will gladly take its share for itself. I read a short story on Bernie Kosar, the NFL Quarterback who played for the Cleveland Browns and the Dolphins in the mid 80’s and early 90’s. Bernie made his wealth both as a player and as a businessman. However, in 2009, Bernie had to file for bankruptcy, having 1.5 million dollars of unsecured debt. The ESPN film Broke highlighted how it was Bernies abusive and manipulative father who swindled him out of millions. At one point he was paying for 60 cell phone plans. He loaned thousands of dollars to former teammates, his ex-wife took her portion in the divorce, and the IRS came knocking. When you have this worlds wealth, the worldly come looking to leech it off of you. If you are building your life around your wealth, then when they take your wealth from you, they take your contentment with them.

Your wealth assails your sleep (Eccl 5:12)

Ecclesiastes 5:12 ESV

Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Amassing wealth wealth for yourself brings new kinds of worry and stress into your life that rob you of your sleep. Do you know what was the straw that broke Bernie Kosar’s back? It was the global recession that hit in 2008. He did not have the wealth to sustain his lifestyle. He filed for bankruptcy. I imagine he, and millions of others, had many sleepless nights wondering how he was going to keep it together.

Your wealth afflicts your well-being (Eccl 5:13)

Ecclesiastes 5:13 ESV

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt,

You spend most of your life trying to get the wealth. Then you spend most of your health trying to keep it. Derek Kidner points out the irony of our pursuit of wealth and trying to stay healthy. Kidner looks at all our “modern exercise-machines and health clubs” and says it is “one of our human absurdities to pour out money and effort just to undo the damage of money and ease.” Those who try to put their contentment in their wealth either grind their life away trying to amass it, or they live a life if ease, losing the ability to be resilient.

Your wealth arouses insecurity (Eccl 5:14)

Ecclesiastes 5:14 ESV

and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.

Your wealth will not bring your heart contentment because your wealth, like your life, is like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. It takes one bad investment, on bad business deal, one major recession, and all of your wealth can be gone. Some of you might remember the Enron scandal in 2001. Shareholders, many of them employees who built their retirement on the stock of Enron lost 74 billion dollars because of accounting fraud. All of it was stolen from them. Some of those people put all their eggs in Enron’s basket, which looked good on paper, but was nothing but sinking sand. The Bible says building your house on sand is unstable and insecure. One massive wave and your house is finished. Building your contentment in wealth is like building your house on sand.

Your wealth will abandon you at death (Eccl 5:15-16)

Ecclesiastes 5:16–17 ESV

This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.

Death is the greatest antagonist to your wealth. At some point, no matter how rich you are in this life, you will hand your wealth over to someone else. There are no U-hauls behind the hurst. If you are banking on your wealth for your eternal contentment, then you will be abandon on your death bed. Woe to those who put their hope in their wealth for eternal contentment.

Your appetite for wealth brings you misery (Eccl 5:17)

Ecclesiastes 5:17 ESV

Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.

Finally, your wealth will not satisfy your contentment in this life because your appetite for wealth brings you misery. With everything mentioned above it is no surprise that the rich eat in darkness, that is, you eat alone. According to Solomon, the rich guy had all of his wealth, all of his possessions, everything his heart could desire, and he has no one to really share it with. Anger and sickness consume his heart, not contentment. Misery.

Now, you might argue a few points of contention. First, you might say this is an over-caricature of rich people. You know plenty of wealthy people who are healthy and happy in this world. Yes, you are right. However, the point of hyperbole and or an over-caricature is to use the over the top description to bring home the point, the truth is the truth regardless. And if you read Psalm 73, you see that those who trust in their wealth are not as they appear.

Secondly, you might say that you are nowhere near the Uber-wealthy, your not even in the ballpark of Uber-Middle Class. This sermon does not apply to you. You would be mistaken. First, God’s wisdom is for everyone, regardless of your age, ethnicity, gender, or economic class. Second, you are wealthier than you realize. Let’s do a quick thought exercise comparing the U.S. and Mexico in household income, home ownership, and car ownership.

The national median income for Americans as of 2021, was $79,900, according to huduser.gov. The poverty line for Americans, the income by which the government declares you are poor, is $26,500 for an average family of four (2 adults 2 kids). For a family my size (7) it is, $40,120. The “middle class” tax bracket ranges on the low end from $32,000 to the high end $373,000. You are considered rich at 373,001. There are over 79 million home owners in America, and that number is rising, and over 287 million Americans own a car.

The average annual income of hispanics in Mexico is $8,000, according to the World Data Info. There are 23 million households in Mexico, with a population of 128.9 million people. The world Bank notes that 52% of Mexico’s population is living in poverty. That correlates to a many homeless families. Fifty-seven percent of households in Mexico do not own a car. Of those that did own a car, 76% own one car. Do you see the difference in wealth? Our poor “class” makes almost four times as much income as their middle class. We have almost three times as many homes, not including rentals, and we have multiple cars per family. Our middle class is their Uber-wealthy. This is just Mexico. The numbers are even crazier in Africa and South America.

Here’s my point. You are wealthy. You are wealthier than over 2/3 of the world. You make more money in six months than most of our Mexicans neighbors make in a nine years. Your living conditions are luxurious compared to many south of us. Even our poor have well funded programs and resources to assist them, and even help them get out of poverty. Furthermore, you have the means to become wealthier if you so choose to do it, via school, training, or investments. We are a nation with tremendous blessing of wealth and comfort.

This sermon applies to you. You could be deceived into thinking that all you have here in America is normal for the world. You could be deceived into thinking that you are content with the little you have, not realizing you are Uber-wealthy compared to most human beings on earth right now. You are the reason why so many are at the border trying to get into this country. They want what you have: the opportunity to pursue life and happiness. You could be deceived into thinking that if the Lord were to take it all away, you would be content. The first rule of growth is being honest worth yourself. Take a moment to reflect. Ask the Lord to search your heart and see if their is an evil unbelieving discontentment in you. If you find yourself struggling with contentment, there is a solution.

What is Solomon’s Solution for contentment?

Find contentment in meaningful relationships (Eccl 4:7-12)

Ecclesiastes 4:7–12 HCSB

Again, I saw futility under the sun: There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good?” This too is futile and a miserable task. Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Solomon’s point is simple. There is no lasting contentment in riches, especially if there is no one to share it. Solomon realizes that you and I were made for community. It is not good for man to be alone. Genesis two reminds us that you that God intends for you not to live life alone, therefore, invest more of your life into people, into intimate relationships, build a community in your life.

Look back at the Garden of Eden for a second.

Genesis 2:18 ESV

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

What is interesting about this is, man is not alone. There are animals fashioned from the same ground he was fashioned. God was even present with him. So what does God mean by alone? The last part of verse 18 signals a clue. Adam needed a helper fit for him.

God is always sufficient for every need we have on earth and in eternity. God, however, has decided that man being alone with God is not good. Biblical Theologian Dr. Dru Johnson notes that man “being alone with God is “not good” according to God. He is creating community and not individual relationships connecting independently with himself.” God wired you for uniques community and relationships. You will notice that the animals are not enough. They are good, but they are not the kind of relationship that is unique and sufficient for man’s aloneness. The animals are not suitable because they cannot join humanity in covenantal marriage or procreate. God has ordained that his image bearers and the animal kingdom be separate. As good as your pets are to you, you cannot rely solely on an animal for companionship. You need other humans in your life. God made sure that your heart would long for it by the way he made Eve from Adam.

You’ll notice that all the animals are made/fashioned from the same ground that Adam is made. God shapes the animals in the same way he shaped Adam. Eve, however, is not shaped from the ground, but is built from Adam.

Genesis 2:21–22 ESV

So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

Because she was built from Adam, she is a suitable companion for him, and he for her. God’s solution to Adam’s aloneness is building a woman like him from him, creating a unique intimacy and connection that is special for humanity. Adam recognizes the significance of Eve’s suitability right away. he says

Genesis 2:23 ESV

Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

God wired intimate relationship in to humanity with Adam and Eve. Then he says, make more community by having children. Then have extended families that build greater community, and then have neighbor be part of your community. Later on God establishes his church as an institution for community. You are not meant to be alone. You best investment in this life is not the stock market or your retirement plan, but in people. Understanding this connection you have to community, helps you understand Solomons benefits to friendship. There are four benefits to friendship that will help you be content.

First, two are better than one because two bears more fruit (v9).

Ecclesiastes 4:9 HCSB

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.

Meaningful relationships work together to grow and produce fruit. One of God’s antidotes to your discontentment is putting you in a like-minded community with the same goal in order to produce more progress for His kingdom. You see this in families. God did not make single family homes as the norm. He created two parents, a man and a woman, who have a unified goal of working diligently to raise their children to fear the Lord. God did not create facebook or instagram to be church for his people. The church is meant to gather as a community with a unified goal to work together to joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus in the church, community, and home. Philip Ryken sums the point up well,

“when two people work together well, they accomplish more than twice as much as either one could accomplish alone. I have seen this again and again in the church as other pastors or elders have challenged my ideas and improved my ideas for ministry. I have seen it in writing and publishing, especially in working on books with my father. I have seen it in the kitchen, where Lisa and I do the dishes together. Whether we are in the church, in the workplace, or at home, our work is more rewarding when we share it with someone else.” Philip Ryken

Second, two are better than one because two help each other in times of trouble (v10).

Ecclesiastes 4:10 HCSB

For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

There is no greater soil to sow discontentment than a the heart of one who falls down in this life and has no one to give them a hand up. Paul promises that in this life you will have trials and tribulations. You will be persecuted and you will suffer disease. Sin will push you to the ground and kick you in the face. Woe to the one who says they can walk the road of the gospel by themselves. You might fall and never get back up! How often have you been down, and a brother or sister in Christ has come to give you encouragement, to pray for you, or even beg you to turn from your sin and come back to Jesus? Jesus died for you to be forgiven and have eternal life. He redeemed you into His family. He gave his Spirit to you and unifies you to the collective whole of his Church. The church community serves each other with love and good deeds. When you are down, when you fall, God has ensured there is a community to help you get back up. That is one ways he preserves your faith.

Third, two are better than one because two can keep each other warm (v11)

Ecclesiastes 4:11 HCSB

Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?

This verse is often read through the lens of marriage, which is fine. But the application is much broader. Solomon is likely envision someone walking through the desert wilderness. The desert temperatures can drop below freezing at night. To sleep alone is too possibly freeze to death.

Wilderness is a spiritual theme throughout the Bible. When Jesus was in the wilderness he was hungry, thirsty, and surrounded by wild beasts. The wilderness is where Jesus was tempted and tried. The wilderness is where Satan is relentless in devouring your faith.

Some of you might be in a spiritual wilderness right now. Your prayer life feels distant. The word of God seems dry. Your faith feels freezing cold. If you continue to walk alone outside the camp in the wilderness, your faith will freeze to death. I worry about brothers and sisters who only gather with the church every few weeks or even months. How do you stay warm? Your soul needs the heat of others faith to keep warm. If your physical body is constantly subjected to freezing temperatures, you will die of hyperthermia or pneumonia . It is not different spiritually. If you believe you can come can only interact with the church a few times a quarter or only an hour on Sunday, you are in danger of spiritual hyperthermia. Christian, two are better than one. He has give you his church to encourage you, to help you stoke the fire of faith, hope, and love so that your heart stays blazing hot for Jesus.

Finally, two are better than one because we are stronger together (v12).

Ecclesiastes 4:12 HCSB

And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

There is always safety in numbers. We are the sheep of God’s pasture. The lion who roams around waiting to devour your faith would love nothing more than to get you by yourself (1 Peter 5:8). You cannot be sin by yourself. You cannot discern heresy by yourself. You cannot persevere in this culture by yourself. We watch each others six’s in the church. When it comes to spiritual dangers, two are better than one. There is great power in meaningful relationships connected in community.

Find Contentment in God’s provision (Eccl 5:18-6:9)

Old Testament scholar Duane Garrett sums up the point of these verse well. He says,

“To be able rightly and fully to enjoy the things of this world is a gift of God’s grace; those who receive this gift are free from preoccupation with the pain of mortality.” Duane Garrett

In verses 18-19, Solomon says it is right to eat and drink and find enjoyment in our hard work. This is God’s portion for us. God gives you enough wealth and possession to enjoy them. If you are free from the love of money, then you will be content, and you will not loathe your life (v20).

God sovereignly allots good things and the ability or inability to enjoy them.

In chapter 6:1-9, Solomon reflects on what is evil, the sickening tragedy. You have man who is given much wealth in this world, and yet, in God’s sovereignty he is not able to enjoy it. Here is a man who has gained the entire world and has no capacity to satisfy his heart with its pleasures. Its the American Dream turned nightmare.

Possessions do not guarantee satisfaction in this life. Be content in the possessions God has given you.

You think, if I only had children I would content (Eccl 6:3-6). You want children so bad it hurts. In life under the sun, a man or a woman could have a hundred children and still not know joy, says Solomon. Some he has given children and some he has not.

Posterity, like possessions does not guarantee satisfaction in life. Be content with what God has provided for you.

Meaningful Contentment is found in Christ (Eccl 4:12)

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Solomon ends this section saying

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Two are better than one, but three are stronger for sure. I don’t know if Solomon had God in mind in verse 12, but on this side of the cross, knowing that Christ gave us his Spirit when he ascended into heaven, you can’t help but see Jesus being a third person in the relationship.

Christ tells us that we are much more than servants, we are his friends. Furthermore, Christ died on the cross to atone for your sin. He died as s substitute, taking the wrath you deserve, and in turn giving you his righteousness. He did this because he loves you, for no greater love than for a friend to lay down his life for another. God accepted his sacrifice and raised him up on the third day, and seated him at his right hand. He is there now interceding for his people, his friends, his elect. Are you his friend? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Have you confessed your sin and asked for his forgiveness? Have you asked him to come into your heart and live? Have you accepted him as your Savior? IF you have, your sins are forgiven. You are more than a friend, you are his brother, God’s son or daughter, and you have an inheritance being kept for you in heaven. You are now in the community of God’s people, his family. You have the richest power of contentment living inside of you.

AS we close, i want to take you to Paul in his letter to Philippians. The Philippian church knew Paul was in prison for the gospel. They were concerned about his well being. Paul says,

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

What is the secret to Paul’s unwavering contentment? It is Christ. Christ transcends poverty and wealth. To have Christ in your heart is to have everything you need for a life of Godliness. Paul goes on to encourage the Philippians to trust in Jesus’s provision, even as they sacrifice for the gospel, making themselves poorer for the sake of the kingdom-threatening their contentment.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Finding contentment wealth in this world is meaningless. There is not enough money or luxury that can satisfy your God-given eternal desires. God has given you His one and only son, Jesus. Jesus gives himself to you to strengthen you and richly provide your eternal heart longings with his eternal presence.

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