Discourse on Life's Undertakings...

“I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze

Than it should be stifled by dry rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor,

Every atom of me in magnificent glow,

Than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time”

            Jack London (1876-1916)

 Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

 

Commentary:

How many times have we heard this used in poems, songs, or sermons.  How many times have we stopped to realize who wrote it, when, under what circumstances, and to who.

The author of Ecclesiastes uses the name Qohleth which traditionally meant "The Preacher". A difference of opinion exists within the scholarly ranks as to whether Solomon wrote the book or someone using his thoughts and experiences.   Whatever, it renders the thoughts of the most wealthy man of his time and the builder of the magnificent Temple.

Immediately, Solomon introduced us to his depression over life . He calls it "vanity" or "emptiness" and directs it to a life lived out of fellowship with God and His divine will.
The orator of the book then goes about explaining the many solutions he has tried to overcome the emptiness.

There is nothing inherent in humanity to enjoy.  Enjoyment is God's personal gift.  Solomon tried wealth, wisdom, projects, political fame, looks, and other personal efforts.
He found death inevitable for both good and bad; and the ways of God are inscrutable.
Apart from God's leading, the mysteries of the work of God. It is beyond human intellect and knowledge.

So then how are we to invest our lives?

Eccl. 11:1:  Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.

Find what?
Eccl. 12:13:  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 whether good or evil.

Conclusion:

Consider these

1. The lure of something better is always there.

2.The temptation to go for it always is stronger than the realization of the consequences.

3 Bible proof:  If you go for it without God, you will not be satisfied.

In the quiet
of another morning
we sincerely profess
our needs.
we confess
our wrongful deeds
we plant
new and unseen seeds
of hope and caring.
We ask your blessing
on each
and your hand on our search
for peace and rest.
Teach
us Your ways
and in all our days
Help us to find Your best.
Amen