Questions for Life

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of every human being

The comments of the “teacher” in Ecclesiastes raise some important questions. To begin with, the teacher asks about how to measure the value of day-to-day labors in life. I have to say that I can’t argue with the need to raise good questions about what matters most in life. Thankfully, Ecclesiastes also provides some good answers. The brief summary statement at the end brings me back around to two straightforward guiding principles for life. First, I should fear God. That brings me back to a daily awareness and acknowledgement that there is only one God. God is great and worthy of all that I am. My knowledge of God evokes a sense of awe and humble recognition. Second, I should keep His commandments. There are so many reasons why obedience is essential. Keeping the commandments of God will never tip the scales in my direction when it comes to deserving the grace of God. But, it will always demonstrate what it means to respond to His mercy and grace. Furthermore, it is always the best course for my life. The two work together to yield an accurate perspective for life. Fear the Lord and keep His commandments. As I began to reflect on Ecclesiastes, I found myself asking some questions of own. These questions remind me how easily my perspective can become distorted if I drift from my fear of the Lord and my faithfulness to His commandments. 

• What if life is more about trusting God than receiving answers to all my questions?
• What if life is more about worshiping God than getting what I want from God?
• What if life is more about savoring God's grace and comfort than being delivered from my discomfort   
• What if my “duty” in life is defined, as the "teacher" in Ecclesiastes suggests by whether or not I fear God and keep His commandments?

The Meaning of Life

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.

“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2

According to the opening verse in Ecclesiastes, these words belong to “the teacher”. It’s a tough way to start a book in the Bible. My reaction is made even tougher when I consider that the “teacher” is described as the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Immediately, I begin to consider the perspective of Solomon, a man of great wisdom and understanding. So, what should I make of the redundant message about the “meaninglessness” of life? Most approaches to Ecclesiastes begin with the summary statement at the end of the book. Accordingly, the conclusion of the matter is to “fear God and keep His commandments”. I breathe a sigh of relief when I read the end, but it hardly answers all my questions about the cynical tone of the preceding material. Oddly enough, my questions about Solomon’s existential experiment and commentary are best answered by a question. Is there a way to interpret Ecclesiastes in light of the Gospel? I believe there is. Jesus asked the question, “what good is it for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) What is the answer to Jesus’ question? It’s meaningless. It’s all meaningless. Jesus asked a second question, “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:37) I see evidence all around me everyday of what people are willing to exchange for the health of their soul. After reading the words of Jesus, the survey of life contained in Ecclesiastes takes on new level of gravity. A soul that fears God and keeps His commandments is a healthy soul.

A Discerning Heart

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 18:15

I love to learn. I have enjoyed reading since I was a small child. I’m thankful for my appetite to acquire knowledge. That may be why this Proverb grabbed my attention. For a short Proverb, this little verse packs a powerful punch. It’s a great reminder to me. Take care of your heart! After all, a healthy heart is a catalyst for acquiring knowledge. Cultivating a discerning heart is an intentional process. God has created us with a heart with the capacity to do “good” or “evil”. Even my pursuit of knowledge can be tainted with selfishness. As I have revisited the wisdom of the Proverbs, I have come to recognize the relationship between an understanding heart and my respect and reverence for God. The repeated reminders in Proverbs are helpful. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. That recognition connects my “heart” with my “ears”. How do ears “seek” out knowledge? I think the Proverbs help us understand that ears that seek wisdom and knowledge are attached to a person with a heart that belongs to God and a willingness to listen to God above all else.

How do you measure success?

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and those who win souls are wise.

Proverbs 11:30

I love the way the Proverbs deliver such a straightforward message of truth. If we have questions about living wisely, Proverbs is a primary source for help. This week, I was drawn to the vivid picture of life provided in Proverbs 11:30. This verse is packed with meaning. It touches so many of the pressure points of life. Does my life have purpose or meaning? Am I successful? What are the benchmarks of integrity and credibility? Am I a positive influence on others? It’s difficult to summarize so many messages. So I will share my biggest impression from the Proverb. I am called to have a life-giving influence on those around me. Whether though the influence of my words or actions or a combination of the two, I exist to enrich the lives of others. Big mission? Yes, in fact it is far beyond my capability. After all, how can I produce a tree of life? It’s a question that brings me to another beautiful prophetic picture of God’s grace. Long before “Miracle-Gro” existed, God’s Spirit was helping trees to grow.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.

Isaiah 44:3-4

It’s a great encouragement for us to increase our daily dependence on the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.