What are you living for?

As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. *3*This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. *4*But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. *5*For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. *6*Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. 
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 
Ecclesiastes 9:2–7.

Well, isn’t this inspiring?!
This section of scripture can sound a bit depressing, quite stark, a bit of a downer. It shows us that no matter what kind of person you are - you will die. It doesn’t matter if you are kind or not, generous or not, a christian or not, you will die. That is the end for us all. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is like, the things you do to prolong or enhance your existence, you will, one day, die. We don’t tend to like to think about it, but it is true. Just as true as the fact that you came into existence, you will also cease to exist on Earth.
Solomon seems fascinated by this fact. He, the wisest man on Earth, is consumed by the purpose of this finite life. He searched for meaning - an explanation of what life is about. He realised that it so quickly ceases, so there must be a reason for the life lived. Solomon saw and experienced a great many things; good and evil, wisdom and folly, rich and poor, and he still couldn’t make sense of it all.  All he discovered was that it all ends, whatever kind of life you have, it ends. One day it won’t matter how much; money, power or influence, you have, because in the blink of an eye you could be dead and all of that will vanish. As the verses above say - once you’re dead you know nothing, you get no reward from your endeavours, even the memory of who you are and what you’ve done will die, you’ll never see the sun again or gain anything from what’s on Earth. So, in light of these considerations, it raises the question - What are you living for?

What are you living for? 

If you know at some point you are going to die, you know your life is finite, how are you living in light of that?

Solomon, a man of unfathomable wisdom, discovered that the best way to live life is to look at life back-to-front. He considered the fact that we are all going to die, and from there considered what the important things in life are. Surely, having the reality of death in the forefront of our minds should effect the way we live now. Solomon shows that we should live like we are going to die. There are few people that know the reality of this - some do - I particularly think of those given a terminal diagnosis. They know their life on Earth is ending, so they say the things they have been afraid to say,  aim to restore relationships, organise money and possessions. They learn to appreciate the everyday things and every minute they have. People who live like they are going to die make different decisions in their lives, their outlook is different because they know it all soon be over. They will take enjoyment from flowers, the sun, their breakfast, the holding of a hand or the fun of a game. They may have a last minute, once in a lifetime experience, do something they have always wanted to do. They may forgive people, become braver and kinder - choosing to leave this world with no animosity, anger or regret. People do not want to die with envy and hate in their hearts, or even leave that behind for others. People seek peace and contentment, joy and comfort in their last days. So, why should we live our lives any different?

What if we all started looking at life like that - Living like we are going to die?
What would you change about your life? Experiences? Relationships? Time? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to take up or give up? Is there something you want to work towards?

Don’t put these things off to another day, another year - who knows how many you’ve got left? Once your time is over there’s no replay, you cannot live this life again. You’ve got one shot, so what are you going to do about it?
Appreciate the life you have got and make the most of it - Live like you are going to die.

The little things

I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 
Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Find reasons to be cheerful.

This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we  should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?

We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to.  With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.

We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them  more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.

Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?

If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.

‘eat and drink and be joyful’ 
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?

Another translation of this verse is;  ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).

Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.

What power do you have?

In this world, what do we seek?

I think that many of the things we seek after ultimately come down to the desire to have more control - more power in our lives.
We all like to have a bit of power, and usually we’d like more of it. Even as children we wish for more power - many of our battles with our daughter at the moment involve the reality that she wishes to do her own thing no matter what’s going on or who that effects - she wants greater control and to exert the power she has. At heart though, aren’t we all the same as our girl? Aren’t we all stuck in a rhythm in which we desire more power and want our own way? We want the control and power to get life going the way we want it to.

One way we can do this is by seeking an increase of money because we want the opportunity to have different options, really wanting more control in our lives - the power to make different choices. Some desire to make their way up a career pathway, they will end up with more power and control as they increase in responsibility and influence. They then have power over others as well as themselves.

For myself, I have never desired to be the top of any career ladder, I have  not sought money, reknown or progression in the jobs I have had. So, you may think I have escaped this power-lust, but I haven’t. I am quite happy to be part of a team and work hard, yet I do not want the power or responsibility of being in charge. I am quite happy with being an assistant, not being top dog at work, because what I actually want is control over my home life. I do not want my life to be dictated to by work. So, you see, even this decision is showing that I desire authority and power, but over life outside work.
It seems that none of us can escape - we are all a bit power-hungry, no matter how we convince ourselves otherwise -  we all like control, we all crave power as we yearn to make our own decisions for our own lives. None of us are immune.

Considering this has caused me to consider - how much power do we really have?
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:8 (several translations coming up);

English Standard Version
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.

New Living Translation
None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.

King James Bible
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Good News Translation
No one can keep from dying or put off the day of death. That is a battle we cannot escape; we cannot cheat our way out. 

These verses are all different interpretations of the same verse. They all show that our power is limited. Our ability to control or have power over things has boundaries. Over one of the true major events of life - we have no say. The day we die is already determined and it doesn’t matter how many ways we try to avoid it, elongate it or ignore it, we still have no power to change it.

Some of these interpretations state that we cannot ‘retain the spirit’. Our spirit, the essence of who we are, cannot be imprisoned or controlled, it will depart from our earthly body on the day we die. It cannot be held captive in a vessel that no longer breathes - it lives on, not aimlessly, but moves on to what is next - so where is your spirit going when the guaranteed event the comes to us all comes to you? What is going to happen to you when you die?

Well, there is good news - you do have some authority and power to choose the eternal destination of your spirit. It all depends on what you do now.

There are two options for your life after death -  With God or without Him.

It’s your call. You may not have power over your dying moment, but you do have the ability to choose where you are going afterwards. You cannot control how, when or where you die, but you can make a decision now that determines where your life hereafter will be.

So, where will it be?
Where are you choosing to go when you die?
With God? Without God?

You have the power and right to choose for yourself, it does not depend on anyone else to seal your eternal fate, this decision you have the power and authority to make yourself.
It is all about if you accept and live out the forgiveness Jesus gave when he died on the cross. If you believe in him, accept his forgiveness, and live out a new life in him then your spirit will live on with God. So, on the day of death, when the spirit is released from its earthly cage, you have a guaranteed future with God, and the reality of that day approaching should hold no fear for you even though you cannot control it.
What about if you don’t believe in God? Well, then, it is an eternity without God for you. As you choose to live your life now, without Him, so will your life after be. Considering that God is love, that’s not going to be a very pleasant place to be. Imagine living in an environment that is completely devoid of love, the complete opposite to a loving environment, that is what you are choosing for yourself.

Some may read this and think they will put on hold a decision about this, but you and I do not know how long we have to make that decision. You have no power to decide how long you have left, you may not have another chance to decide on your eternal destination, so what will it be?

Who is like the wise?

Who is like the wise? 
And who knows the interpretation of a thing? 
A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, 
and the hardness of his face is changed. 
Ecclesiastes 8:1.

Who is like the wise? 

Being wise is more than being intelligent, it’s the application of things learnt and experienced, the ability to see the long-term consequences. In this world there are many intelligent people, but are there many who are wise?

I don’t believe I have met many wise people, I have met a few, but I am sure we would all benefit from there being more wise people around, why aren't there many? In reality wisdom is not something that we are encouraged to pursue; intelligence or knowledge, yes, but wisdom? Fame, riches, understanding, better living conditions, promotion - these things we pursue, but wisdom?
Why don’t many pursue wisdom?

What would you think if someone said to you today that what they wanted from life was to be wise? You would probably think it a bit odd, but admirable, it is not something I have ever heard someone say they seek.
When Solomon was asked by God for whatever he wanted, Solomon said he wanted wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). He could of had absolutely anything, yet he asked for wisdom. As a result of this humble response, God gave him much more - he gave him wisdom, as well as; possessions, riches and honour. Solomon desired wisdom in order to do his job well. It was not a selfish ambition, but a yearning to be good at what he had to do for the benefit of others. Interesting. Solomon sought after something that others rarely do, and he ended up with what others usually seek!

What would you ask God for if you were in the same position as Solomon?

If we are honest with ourselves, I doubt that many of us would ask to be wise. Yet, wouldn’t wisdom help us most?; in our struggles? breakthroughs? relationships? Achievements?

So why don’t we ask for it? I think we are too short-term minded. We look at our immediate situation and see what would help us now. Instead of seeking the qualities of character that can be developed in difficulty, we seek escape and resolution as quick as possible. We like a quick fix, not a long-drawn out solution that could take days, weeks, months or even years! Whereas wisdom will wait.
Those who are wise gain it through knowledge and experience. Wisdom takes time to become manifest, it is developed through trial and success and takes years to mature. Those who are wise are usually those who take the time to understand. They consider, wait patiently, contemplate their responsibility and accept it when they realise they have reached their limits. They are willing to involve others and acknowledge that they are not always in control. A wise person understands when the gifts, time, resources and capabilities they have are not enough. They are able to defer to others with greater capacity and can acknowledge their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Being wise is not having all the answers, or knowing an encyclopaedic amount of facts but, wisdom is realising we have limits. Wisdom is accepting this and still being able to hold your head high.

Maybe wisdom is recognising that we in ourselves are not the all powerful beings that we have come to believe we are, or the world expects us to be. The wise accept that they cannot be responsible for or in control of everything. They consider different solutions and ponder a better way. The wise do not solely depend on themselves or even others for the solutions of life. Those who are wise acknowledge their capabilities and limitations and humbly accept that they are not all-powerful and wholly responsible for the outcomes in life. They also see that their identity is not effected by success or disappointment, they are content with who they are and are willing for their character to be refined. The wise are not stalwarts, they realise that things need to change, and that can even mean themselves. They also know that they themselves will sometimes fail, and so they do not depend on their own wisdom too much.
Maybe the wise are such because they acknowledge their limitations (which is not a weakness). They realise that there are more knowledgeable and powerful beings around. Maybe the beginning to becoming wise is depending upon someone who has no limitations, and who has greater capacity and character than any of us. Could it be that the birth of wisdom originates in dependence on God? 

Maybe this is why, ‘A man’s wisdom makes his face shine’. A shining face, to me denotes a peaceful acceptance of life and circumstance, and an acknowledgement that they are not responsible for all the outcomes. A wise person knows that they are not the ultimate authority, that they must trust less in themselves and more in God. Worries, sadness, misunderstanding, they all cause us to exhibit a dull expression, yet a person who experiences contentment, joy and peace in their own capabilities can know rest and enjoyment in life and so their face shines. These are the fruits of being wise as they do not have to rely on their own understanding or strive to make situations better because they know they are not ultimately responsible. The freedom from these concerns would rightly lift the worry from their face and cause them to shine so that, ‘the hardness of his face is changed’. A wise person lacks hardness, they are gracious and accepting, they can appreciate others and their situations, and have learned not to judge others. They know the mistakes they themselves have made and know the fulness of God's forgiveness. A wise person is not perfect, in fact, as was said earlier, they acknowledge their own weaknesses. They have a fair balance and assessment of themselves. They consider their own lives and make every effort to live right.

A wise person is one who’s advice you should seek. They may not give you the answers you expect or you want them to, but they know how to speak truth into others’ lives. They can be trusted to accept you as you are, and see the long-term aim of your short-term problem. If you follow wise counsel you will benefit from it. It may be hard to follow, but the wise have the ability to see how your momentary trouble may lead you into greater things. So, if you are struggling with anything, if it is a part of your character that you don't like, a situation you do not understand or do not know how to handle, then seek out someone whom you consider wise. Let their knowledge and experience do you good. For, Who is like the wise?

If you wish to be a man or woman of wisdom, then:
- seek out the wise around you
- realise that wisdom will wait
- assess your character - does it need refining?
- accept your limitations and strengths
- depend not on yourself but on God

Conformity = Contentment?

Solomon’s conclusion to all his searching, wisdom and observation?:

‘God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.'
Ecclesiastes 7:29.

God originally created man ‘upright’, I thought I understood what that meant until I read this definition which sheds a whole new light on this word;
upright— right/without any imperfection or corruption, conformable to God’s nature and will, after His own likeness.

It is an interesting definition and it makes the verse clearer and probably more challenging. It shows that God’s original intention was for us to be His perfect creation, He made us well and put inside each of us the ability to conform - to do what God desires.
Yet, our human desire is for rebellion not conformity. We get drummed into us by society that we are born to stand out not blend in, that to be different is unique, diverse and desirable. It is not cool to blend in, to conform, to follow the rules and seek unity with God. Instead we want to get away from sameness and seek difference. We even search out ‘many schemes’ for ourselves to demonstrate our individuality and uniqueness, but in this quest we are running away from the very quality that has been instilled in us since the moment of our creation - the ability to conform to God’s will and nature.

Our actual nature is inherently designed to blend in with that of God’s, and to display Him instead of our own individual, different selves. We are created not to be a unique individual but to be in the likeness of God. We have been born to be upright - we have the inbuilt ability to do this, so why don’t we?
Is it because we have fallen into society’s trap of diversity? Have we believed that we are built for something else? Have we been trained to desire difference and diversity instead of conformity and contentment? Have we schemed throughout our lives to be more different?

To strive after something that we are not created for is hardwork. One of the hardest things for me to understand is electronics, if I tried really hard I could probably understand it, but it’s a lot of hard work and actually wears me out and gives me a headache! Whereas, naturally, I am pretty good at maths. I like logic problems and sums, they make sense to me - wires don’t. I can learn, I can get better, but I am not naturally wired (haha) that way - so why force myself to become something I am not designed to be? I have gifts in other areas. I see a correlation to this in this verse. Why do we strive after those things that we are not naturally built for? We are just making harder work for ourselves! We are created to conform to God’s will and nature, so why fight against it, plot our own way or scheme with society to become something different?

As a human race we, ‘have sought out many schemes’. What does this mean but that we have searched for different plans, different ways of doing things. We are inquisitive creatures by nature, and we like to create, invent and  understand. However, the word used here, ‘schemes’ implies a hidden agenda, it has a negative connotation, it suggests a sneaky application. When we scheme we tend to do things a but underhand, a bit secretive, with an intent that is not-so-innocent. So why do we ‘scheme’ to not be upright? when we are, in fact, created for an upright life.

We have a void inside us that yearns for acceptance, love, contentment. We can spend many schemes, much time, our whole lives even searching for some kind of fulfilment. Yet this verse provides the answer - we are built for unity not uniqueness. We are designed to be upright, it is in our very core, this means we are meant to be joined with the nature of God, but this makes us uncomfortable and we prefer not to conform, it’s not cool!  So we look for this internal satisfaction in different schemes. We may try; fame, commendation, power, authority, wealth, health or relationships in order to attempt to fill the emptiness inside. But how does this work out for you? Have you found satisfaction or disappointment in these ‘schemes’?

The relief, joy or contentment our schemes bring are only a momentary satisfaction. The desire to gain more always comes and we scheme in our minds to make that ok, we convince ourselves that what we are doing is alright, that in fact it is good for us, and it may well be, to an extent. The things that we allow to bring us contentment can bring joy and relief, but not long-standing contentment. This can only be provided by accepting the real purpose of our lives. The longing that will last is to accept that we are created to conform to the character of God. We are created for unity not uniqueness.

God cannot fit into your schemes, but can you fit into HIs?

Do not take to heart....

*21*Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. *22*Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Ecclesiastes 7:21–22.

How do you do this? How do you stop taking things to heart? How do you ignore the curses?
If anyone has any answers I’d love to know!

I get the truth of what these verses are saying - that we all, at times, have negative thoughts about others, even those we love most, it doesn’t mean we hate them or wish them harm, it usually means that we are aggravated by something. Therefore we should not have an overwhelmingly negative emotional response when others speak badly about us because they probably have some hidden hurt expressed by what they are communicating, just like we do. So we should, ‘not take to heart all the things that people say’.
I understand that, but it is very difficult to do isn’t it?!

Only this week something happened where I was accused of something, something completely untrue, and although I knew my own innocence, it rocked me. I spent a whole day feeling distressed, worried and concerned. A lot of scenarios snowballing through my head if this accusation was believed. I took to heart the words of someone else, the ‘curse’ of someone who wasn’t telling the truth, I took on an emotional response that was unwarranted and unnecessary as I knew the facts of the situation.
So, why did I take it to heart? I overanalysed, I wondered; why would someone want to falsely accuse me? Why would someone wish to hurt me? damage my reputation?
I forgot to ask - what is going on in their life that has less to this response. I forgot not to take it to heart. Instead I had a tearful, distressed response to this situation. This was probably understandable, but it was unnecessary. I failed to put this verse into action. Even though I probably even read it on that very morning! How easily we can forget the truth!
what I have been reading this week disappeared from my mind, it’s like I understand with my head that I shouldn’t be upset, but my heart is slower to catch on. It seems easy to acknowledge, but harder to put into practice. Maybe that’s why reading the Bible is always relevant no matter how many times we read it - it takes a while for the truth to sink in and be evident in our lives. We need reminding of the truth. Constantly. I need this verse to be replayed in my mind over and again as I do take offence, I do feel scared, worried and annoyed by others’ words, but Solomon in his great wisdom invites us not to, ’take to heart all the things that people say’. Imagine a life free of that concern - wouldn’t that be amazing?! To not be overcome by hurt, offence or resentment by others words, to not be stuck under the power of negativity that can be spoken over us.

Let us keep remembering the truth - The wisdom expressed by these verses. Let us begin the path to freedom from this anxiety, freedom from the desire to please everyone or be beholden to the words spoken over us. Let us guard our minds with the truth of the Word.

‘Do not take to heart all the things that people say’

Don't be too much

16*Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? *17*Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? *18*
Ecclesiastes 7:16–18.

‘Be not overly righteous’ - is that possible? Can we be TOO righteous? Can we be too justified?
‘Too wise’ how can anyone be too wise? does anyone know too much? Is anyone too clever?
How about ‘overly wicked’? We all probably agree that being wicked on any scale is not good, so why do we have here that we can be TOO wicked?
These verses can seem a bit odd, they seem to be saying that to be extreme in any quality, good or bad, is a bit over-the-top, and can 'destroy us', even the qualities think we should have.
I think Solomon is trying to warn us either not to become too focussed on these qualities or not to over-exaggerate them.

If we become too focussed on any one part of our life we lose focus on who we are, who God is and what we are built for, even if our focus seems to be something worthy and desirable like righteousness or wisdom. We can become absorbed in the pursuit and so become negligent of other areas of our lives. To be constantly striving after anything can be detrimental to our health and cause distance between us and others. It doesn’t do our mind, body or spirit any good to be striving after our passions whatever they may be, even if the intention is good.
I wonder if Solomon is showing through these verses that the passionate drive for wisdom and righteousness is just as destructive as the passionate drive for wickedness and foolishness. Maybe Solomon is trying to show us that the drive for even good things can, ‘destroy yourself’.
There is nothing wrong in wisdom or seeking righteousness, but are these things a constant pressure and worry on your mind? Do you feel good enough just as you are? You do not need to work hard to be made right with God nor to be acceptable to those around you. You are in enough in who you are. You don’t need to strive to be different or to be more than you are.

The other aspect of these verses concerns exaggeration. about not pretending to be more than you are. Just as we concluded the previous paragraph - you are enough in who you are, who you naturally are. Don’t exaggerate your personality or your experiences, don’t overdo who you portray yourself to be.
Why not? Because one day you will be found out. One day your wisdom will fail you, or you’ll err and you’ll be found to be not-so-righteous. Solomon also invites us not to be, 'overly wicked', we still sometimes do bad things, we can act in wicked ways, even as christians. Solomon has seen that this can end with 'destroying yourself'. We know the areas we each struggle in, and it is ok to make mistakes, but are you constantly getting yourself into the same trouble? If so then you need to exercise self-control and ask God for help to overcome the issue. Also, we dot need to play on our weaknesses. we don't have to pretend that we are worse than we are. we may think this helps others relate to us, but, if we confess to be christians, then we should be able to handle 'wickedness' differently. Then we come down to foolishness, the last of the qualities mentioned. How can we be foolish? Foolishness, being silly, not considering the effects of our actions, these things can be fools as well as just being a joker and playing about. Foolishness is not about having fun, of course life should be fun, but if your fun is at the expense of others then it is foolish.

Solomon tells us not to be 'overly' any of these things. Don’t play up or down your wickedness, foolishness, wisdom or righteousness. you don't need to show off who you are or even who God is. If you do, one day it will backfire. People see through the hype, the exaggeration and realise the truth. Don't be fake, be a person of integrity.
You don’t need to play up to the person people expect you to be or whom you think you should be. You don’t need to pretend or strive to be; more wise, foolish, righteous or wicked than you already are. Just live your life as it is. This will demonstrate the fruit of what God has done more than any hype or exaggeration can, you do not need to put on an act, it's hardwork.
If you are natural and accepting of your own levels of righteousness, wisdom, foolishness and wickedness then you have integrity and people will respect you for who you are and they will probably see you as a regular human being, just like themselves - what better way to demonstrate God's great love for them? If God loves and accepts you just as you are, then surely there's hope that He will love and accept them too?!