What Really Matters From a Man WhoHad Everything

In our last Fist Bump we tackled some difficult scripture, discussing what it truly means to follow Christ. It seems that, as much as ever, the world offers us plenty of distractions on that journey.

Building on last week’s discussion, we spent some time this last week in a very interesting book of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon.

Ecclesiastes is believed to have been written during King Solomon’s rule when Israel was experiencing peace and prosperity. Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, accumulated great wealth, and gained great military power and political influence. Does that sound a bit familiar? The book offers quite interesting perspectives. We challenge you to pick it up and read along with us this week. Right off the start, Solomon kicks things off with:

“Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” Ecclesiastes 1:2

Wait, that’s not necessarily the way to kick off an inspirational TED Talk! It sure gets your attention, though! As we open Chapter 1, follow along as he discusses how the sun rises and sets, people go about their work, generations come and go, life is wearisome, and the past is often forgotten.

Read on to hear that Wisdom is Meaningless, Pleasures are Meaningless, and Toil is Meaningless. Solomon tried them all, demonstrating great wisdom during his life, experiencing great wealth and pleasure, and ultimately knowing that it all has a shelf life. As we have said before, it’s like a Monopoly game: IT ALL GOES BACK IN THE BOX!

So, what really matters? As Christians, we all know that answer. The one thing that really matters is our salvation through Christ’s death on the Cross. We will get there so stay with us.

Solomon continues to talk about the beauty that God has put on this earth, the joy that comes from doing good, and the satisfaction that comes from a life lived working for the good of others.

“So I saw that there is nothing better for a person to enjoy their work because that is their lot.” Ecclesiastes 3:22

He also talks about how we are not meant to do it alone. We say it often, but supporting one another as MEN is one of the core principles of Seven24. Here are a few verses we love to share: 

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Who is there to pick you up when you fall?

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12.

Maybe right now, you are feeling a bit of what Solomon was feeling. Does it feel like you are on the hamster wheel each day? Do you sense you are living a life of purpose and meaning? We get it; we can relate. The enemy loves trying to plant the seed of doubt or frustration in our heads. But with support from God and others, we ALWAYS have the opportunity to get back on track.

It might seem countercultural, but we believe life’s purpose and meaning are more about what we do for others than what we gather for ourselves. Think about this last week: Who did we invest in? Did we take the time to help pick up another brother who fell down? Are we thinking about how we can help others, or are we caught up in the busyness of life?

After all, isn’t that what Jesus did for us? He didn’t have to walk this earth and experience all the pain and challenges that come with it only to be persecuted on the Cross. He did that for US! What are we doing for HIM?

We challenge ourselves this week to reflect on real joy in our lives and where it comes from. We want to encourage each one of you on your personal walk and where God has you. Life isn’t easy, even for Solomon, who had it all. If we can be of help, please reach out!

Finally, we will leave you with some encouraging words from Solomon. God put us on this earth for HIS enjoyment and our own. We wish you all a blessed week! 

“So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15