Category: Ecclesiastes

  • Meaningless to Meaningful

    What Ecclesiastes Teaches About Meaning in Life 

    Leaves blowing in the wind

    I’m often asked what my favorite book of the Bible is, and typically I answer Romans. Surprisingly, though, I often find myself in Ecclesiastes. I love Romans for its robust, deep theology. Paul wrestles with some very difficult questions and teaches us things that can be hard to hear.

    Ecclesiastes, on the other hand, is King Solomon’s lament. Solomon had it all. He was the richest and wisest man in the world at the time. His influence shaped nations near and far. His nation was an economic powerhouse that reached every corner of the known world. 

    Near the end of his life, he comes to some startling conclusions about all He is, has and has done. 

    The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 ESV

    That theme echoes throughout the short book.  All of it is meaningless. All is vanity, emptiness, a chasing after the wind. That’s a harsh condemnation because the things He calls meaningless are what the world tells us will bring us completeness, happiness and fulfillment.

    If that’s true, where is the meaning in life? Where do we find our purpose? Fortunately, Solomon answers that for us.

    The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV

    The Apostle Paul writes:

    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. Philippians 4:11-13

    Jesus put it this way,

    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV

    Stepping outside the Scriptures, the Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us that the chief end of humanity is

    “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever”

    The key to meaning in life is to follow after the things of God. Nothing else will satisfy. It’s the purpose God created you for.

    Are you chasing after the wind or the things that will really fulfill you?

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    I love Romans for its theology, but Ecclesiastes is where I keep returning. Solomon’s verdict on a life that had everything still cuts through today, and his answer to that emptiness is the answer to ours.

    TAKEAWAY

    You can gain everything the world calls success and still find it empty, because none of it was ever built to satisfy you.

    The answer isn’t found in more. It’s found in fearing God and keeping His commandments, no matter how much or how little you have.

    Ask yourself honestly: are you chasing after the wind, or are you chasing after the one thing that actually lasts?

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  • Programs Guaranteed to Grow Your Church?

    wooden toolboxes

    The church is full of program junkies. We seem to have a fascination for the “latest and greatest” from our best-selling Christian leaders or speakers. It comes from our heartfelt desire to see people come to Christ and the church grow. That’s a healthy desire.

    Oftentimes, there is solid meat in the product or program, but we tend to throw out the good things we have going for us and jump on the latest bandwagon without a second thought.

    I’m not going to name them, because some of them really work in certain situations. Yet, if you have been a believer for any length of time, you could probably name several of these fad programs without thinking too hard about it.

    The problem comes when we adopt these tools as “the” solution for the church’s problems. Then they become idols instead of tools. 

    Do not be afraid to try a new program or product, but weigh it out against what God is calling you to do and be. We are not called to be identical. Perhaps, it did work well at ”my old church”, but that isn’t a guarantee it will work at your new church.

    Just because First National Reformed Bapticostal down the road is running “How to Grow Your Church in Ten Easy Steps With No Effort” does not mean you have to do so. It may or may not work for First National Reformed Bapticostal Non-denominational Free Church., but remember that you are not First National Reformed Bapticostal, a non-denominational free church.

    The fact that your favorite televangelist is saying that his new book, “Jesus … Know Him As Only I Do,” is a “must read” does not mean your Christian walk will be incomplete without it.

    There is nothing wrong with new things or new methods. We need to always be checking that we are relevant (without ever compromising the truth) and be willing to adapt. Use them (or any other program or tool) as they fit, but do not confuse them with what the old snake oil salesmen cry, “Good for what ails you, and if nothing ails you, it is good for that too.”

    It is simplistic in a way, but the key to success does not rest in methodology. It rests in being obedient to God’s call for you and the congregation you are affiliated with. Churches grow and reach people by loving them, accepting them (but not compromising on their sin), and pointing them to Jesus Christ as the answer to their problems.

    Please understand, I’m not against programs or books. They can be great, they just aren’t the perfect solution for your church

    The Bible does not lay out a formal program, but it does lay out some principles.

    Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 24

    Maybe, just maybe if we did those two things well, we could fulfill our mandate as a church.

    Perhaps King Solomon was on to something when he said

    The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.  Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:11-14

    Use the tools that God makes available, but with wisdom and discretion. Try the Jesus plan first and foremost “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment and love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Until next time, may your life be filled with the love of Christ.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God) 

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12

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