Life’s race is filled with all sorts of people: the righteous, the wise, and everyone in between. Regardless of our differences, we are all in the hands of God.
“For I have taken all this to my heart, even to examine it all, that righteous people, wise people, and their deeds are in the hand of God. People do not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits them,” (Ecclesiastes 9:1).
We often wonder if our actions are earning God’s love or inciting His wrath. This uncertainty reflects the thoughts of those who walk without God, constantly questioning their path.
All people are running the race of life, and they all face the same difficulties.
“It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and the unclean; for the person who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good person is, so is the sinner; the one who swears an oath is just as the one who is afraid to swear an oath. This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of mankind are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterward, they go to the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3).
Everyone goes to the same place… to the dead. Therefore, it’s better to be alive than dead. After all, it’s better to have a life of uncertainty than nothing at all. The dead are forgotten, no matter what impact they had while alive on earth.
Solomon concludes by saying that because of this, we need to enjoy life in any way we see fit. Put away any serious thoughts you might have about God. God’s purposes are unknowable. Even our own personal death comes unexpectedly.
This fits the mindset of the Western world today. How often does the average person go through each day without any thought towards their Creator? It’s primarily a society of self. What do I need? What can I get? Serious play and serious spending. Nothing in life ends up exactly as we predict. If it did, there wouldn’t be any gambling, would there?
There is nothing new under the sun. Solomon describes Western society in a near Middle Eastern context thousands of years ago. Yet, the way of thinking seems almost identical.
The sad thing is that moving away from God is as predictable today as it was then. In America, in my lifetime over the last fifty years, there has been a significant erosion of family values, a decline of the church, neglect of Biblical principles, loss of community, and an acute crisis of meaning. We struggle with finding purpose and meaning in life. The theme has been the same throughout history.
Someone who doesn’t know God can come to many conclusions and truths in their life. We learn a lot from all sorts of people. Wisdom is found in all sorts of situations, and these lessons are worth learning. This might alleviate some worry. But what is the point of it all? Death is coming.
Friends, we do have a purpose.
“Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days,” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
Solomon is saying to do all the good that you can, whenever you can. This means we give just as much as we consume. We don’t possess just for selfish enjoyment.
“If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies,” (Ecclesiastes 11:3).
We aren’t to dwell on what might have been. You can’t spend the rest of your life pondering possibilities. God wants us to work for good. Don’t wait; the time is now. Do all the good that you can. There is no reaping without sowing. We can accomplish worthwhile things.
Life is good and life is worth living. But now is the time to remember God. Judgment is coming from God. Our bodies will get old and weak. Now is the time to remember God because there will be a separation of body and soul. The body will return to dust, but life isn’t meaningless.
The book of Ecclesiastes is acceptable and pleasing to a person who knows God. There is truth here. To have this wisdom, this truth, is to know God. We aren’t to resist these lessons. Solomon wants to spur us into action, given to us by “one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11).
Here is the answer. What life is worthwhile?
“The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil,” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Fear God and keep His commandments. Give God reverence and give attention to Him. This is the proper view of God. The only life worth living is the life that seeks to please God. We will fare well on earth and at judgment.