Self-Love of Man for His Achievement

Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 2:22-25

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Some people are gifted with lots of talents, abilities, and treasures. This gifts are obviously used for their own personal gain, and for selfish ambitions. They work hard to discover the secret of all things. They do it all to discover what is the best technique in a particular problem, and when they discovered it, they do not share it, and selfishly own it. They argued why they will share it to others; "you are sleeping while I am working hard in this sleepless night, I toil all night." So, one said it was selfish not to share it to others.

The author of Ecclesiastes toiled under the sun to achieve all things for himself only. But one day he thinks it is better not to toil or waste time to attain more, because he thinks when he dies, someone who will take control over all the work that he has done. He does not know if the one who will control it is smart or foolish. So, the author regrets toiling and laboring—he receives pain and grief and sleepless nights for achieving all things. He thinks that is all meaningless.

What we should be discussing now is not about the thinking of the author from the past, that all is “meaningless”, but there are also things that are meaningful, because he changed his mindset about life. After he noticed that God’s gift to man is to satisfy his need by enjoying whatever God has given to him, like food to eat, drink to satisfy his thirst, and find satisfaction in his works, whether small or big accomplishments.

Like the author found satisfaction with God, we too, must appreciate everything God give us to find satisfaction in life. When we do have satisfaction, we will be glorifying God in everything we do. So, we deserved a meaningful result of our works.

Enjoy whatever God’s will is for every man. Be thankful to our God who gives us a meaningful life.

Reflect

1. Do you enjoy your food well?

2. Are you content in your work?

3. Are you thankful to God who gives you talent?

Remember

Do not be selfish for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to other people because it is better to share it than to die without sharing it. Share it for the glory of God.

Read

Proverbs 17:22; Ecclesiastes 2:17-26; Psalm 90:1-5; Philippians 4:12-13

Pray

Dear Lord, always give me a cheerful heart to share my blessings to others, and always be thankful for your wonderful presents that I receive each day. May you love and care for us always. In Jesus' Name, amen.