This chapter continues the “under the sun” premise and laments – at least the author is consistent.
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (v7-10)
Some bittersweet points here:
– enjoy blessings from God including food, people and labor
– continue following God and His “approved” path
– do everything to the best of your ability and strength
– life is short and you can’t take anything with you to the grave
Again we are reminded that this author doesn’t have a view of eternal life, however, their encouragements to live life to the fullest still carry sound wisdom. This is the only life we get on earth where we can serve God, serve our neighbors, and introduce unbelievers to Jesus.
I think my two biggest takeaways are to enjoy the ‘small things’ in life (eg. every meal or every piece of learning), and do everything to the fullest of my God-given ability and strength. God wants us to experience joy in this life (eg. Jn 16:24) and glorify Him in our work (eg. Col 3:23). We cannot do either of these things if we’re choosing to be miserable or do a half-hearted job. What kind of Christ-honoring testimony is that?
If these things are struggles for us (they can be for me) then I suggest starting small. Let’s do one thing today with the intent of experiencing joy (eg. listen to a special song). Let’s also do one task today to the absolute fullest of our ability, even if that means greatly surpassing the minimum requirement (eg. not only mow our lawn, but our neighbor’s as well). If we consistently do one thing in the ‘joy’ and ‘best effort’ categories each day, I think it may blossom and grow into something amazing.
Father God, our Glorious and Awesome Lord, we magnify Your holy name. We thank You for helping us approach each day with a joyful heart and love-based motivation. When we serve, may we fully utilize the abilities You have given us, and may we choose to experience joy in all that we do. We wish to glorify You through our words and deeds, and in our hearts, forever and always, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training