Our Daily Bread May 30
Do Whatever / By: Sheridan Voysey For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
Ecclesiastes 2:25
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ecclesiastes 2:17–25 (NIV):
17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.
24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
In a recent film, a self-proclaimed “genius” rants to the camera about the world’s “horror, corruption, ignorance, and poverty,” declaring life to be godless and absurd. While such thinking isn’t unusual in many modern film scripts, what’s interesting is where it leads. In the end, the lead character turns to the audience and implores us to do whatever it takes to find a little happiness. For him, this includes leaving traditional morality behind.
But will “do whatever” work? Facing his own despair at life’s horrors, the Old Testament writer of Ecclesiastes gave it a try long ago, searching for happiness through pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10), grand work projects (vv. 4–6), riches (vv. 7–9), and philosophical inquiry (vv. 12–16). And his assessment? “All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (v. 17). None of these things is immune to death, disaster, or injustice (5:13–17).
Only one thing brings the writer of Ecclesiastes back from despair. Despite life’s trials, we can find fulfillment when God is part of our living and working: “for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (2:25). Life will at times feel meaningless, but “remember your Creator” (12:1). Don’t exhaust yourself trying to figure life out, but “fear God and keep his commandments” (v. 13). Without God as our center, life’s pleasures and sorrows lead only to disillusionment.
Today’s Hynms:
Little boxes
What are you seeking
Scripture to Respond:
Romans 8:5-6
5.Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.6.The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Ecclesiastes 11: 9-10
9.You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10.So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Reflection:
Perhaps many yearn for a life free to follow desires of the flesh, but they forget this choice will lead to futility of life which ends with death and inability to face God’s judgment. How would you make the choice? Are you willing to set your mind on the Spirit and follow the guidance of the Spirit, hence life and peace in your life blessing others?
Prayer:
God, today I pledge again to make You the centre of my life, because without You, everything is meaningless and will never satisfy me. Help me to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and live an abundant life.
Wong Wai Tung (Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) & Sam Chow (Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) Translated by Esther Leung
