What Is Your Perspective?

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Wise Living

I’ve been teaching a course on the Old Testament wisdom books at the Biblical Studies Center here in Boise, Idaho.  The wisdom books include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.  Each book has theology to explore and guidance to live by, but Eccelsiastes has proven challenging in both areas.  

The book begins with “Meaningless! Meaningless!” “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2). (I’m feeling discouraged.) 

The writer explores ways that he tried to find meaning in life.  He searched for it in possessions: built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens and parks, planted fruit trees, made reservoirs, and owned large herds and flocks.  He searched for it through power: bought slaves and singers and became great.  He searched for it in wealth: amassed silver, gold, and treasures.  He searched for it through pleasure: acquired a harem for delight” (2:4-9).

Here was his conclusion: “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (2:11). (I’m feeling more discouraged.) 

It gets worse.  The writer goes on to say that since he couldn’t find satisfaction in the things of life, he hated life.  Life was meaningless (2:17-18). (I’m feeling really discouraged.)  

Only when the writer had a change in perspective did he find joy and satisfaction in life.  He came to realize that happiness is found in the acknowledgment that everything in life is a gift from God.  And if we view everything as a gift, then we are free to enjoy the gifts that God has given us.  We don’t find meaning in the gifts themselves, rather they represent a heavenly father who cares and provides for us. (I’m finally feeling encouraged.)

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” (3:12-13)

If we view all that we are and all that we have as a gift from God, then our responsibility becomes one of enjoying, but also stewarding, God’s gifts.  Let’s each strive to make good stewardship use of our time, treasures, and talents, acknowledging all as a gift from God and make decisions that please Him as thanksgiving to Him.  It is the antidote for meaninglessness. (I’m now feeling very encouraged!)

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

(208) 697-3699

doug@christianwm.com