Read Ecclesiastes 8.
The wisest man who ever lived gives advice on how to enjoy life.
1. Relating to authority. (vv.2-9)
Obey those over you. This essential is not only for those in power who
are godly and right. The Apostle Paul expanded upon this principle in
Romans 13:1-4 with Nero as Caesar. Five times in that passage Paul stated
that those in authority over us have been placed, represent, serve and use
force on God's behalf. Pride and selfishness in the heart wants to rebel
and get our own way. And, what if the authority is wrong or out-right
evil? Solomon wrote, "...the wise heart will know the proper time
and the just way" in dealing with it (v.5).
2. Recognizing accountability. (vv.10-13)
Fear God. The greatest deterrent to lawlessness is quick justice.
Because the consequences for sin are not immediate or speedy, the
wrong-doer thinks he may get away with it. The United States Constitution
guarantees a speedy trial but the justice system takes years to prosecute.
Even one found guilty of a capital crime may sit on death row for a
couple decades or more without the sentence being carried out. This distances
the crime from the punishment in such way that it refocuses attention on the
court system instead of the evil. Lack of accountability and fear of God
becomes the result.
3. Rejoicing on the journey. (vv.14-15)
Enjoy what you have. Worrying and grumbling about what we do not have
will kill our joy. Yes, life is full of hard work. Yes, there are
hurts and hardships along the way. Not everything will turn out the way
we planned or wanted. Yet, when we remember that God is sovereign and in
control, that our lot in life is not a mistake, that God loves us and extends
His grace every moment, that one day we all will stand accountable for what we
did with what He gave us, that we have a home waiting in heaven, then we of all
people have cause to enjoy this temporary life.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared before hand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Live like God's masterpiece today.
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