Living with Purpose - 3
Studies in the book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 2
Is it possible to find real meaning and purpose in life that is totally satisfying? This is the question Solomon answers in the book of Ecclesiastes. He does so by preaching four sermons. The first begins in chapter 1 verse 12 and takes us through to chapter 3 verse 15. In the first part of this first sermon Solomon has shown us the emptiness of worldly wisdom to bring a sense of fulfilment in life. Having tried that he now moves on to six well worn paths many tread in their pursuit of purpose and meaning. These are listed in chapter two that we are considering this time. .
Many look to pleasure to find fulfilment. Solomon says in chapter 2 verse 1, "I thought in my heart, come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good. " The word "pleasure" translates a Hebrew word that has the sense of "recreation". It covers things like hobbies, sport, all kinds of leisure pursuits. Solomon does not have sinful pleasure in mind. This is legitimate pleasure; things not sinful in themselves. As he pursued pleasure what did he find? He says at the end of verse 1, "But that also proved to be meaningless. " A well known sportsman knew that there was something missing in his life. Although top of his sport he lacked fulfilment. He noticed that a fellow rugby player had a contentment he never had. He asked him about it. His friend was a Christian and told him of the personal relationship he had with Jesus Christ. The sportsman realised that this was what he needed. He trusted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and found the sense of purpose and meaning he had been looking for. Recreation can be healthy and good, but it cannot give that deep inner satisfaction. Only Jesus can do that.
Some people try Amusement. Solomon said in verse 2, "Laughter I said is foolish. " Some say "Don't treat life so seriously". Solomon found that amusement is short lived. Laughter can be hollow and empty. A well known entertainer told of how he made thousands of people laugh but his own heart was breaking. Then he became a Christian and found a real lasting joy in his heart that he had never found anywhere else. David tells us in the Psalms where real joy is found. He said in Psalm 16 verse 11, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. "
Many try Drink so as to find contentment and satisfaction in life. Solomon realised the foolishness of drink because he had seen drunks making a fools of themselves. But what was the attraction? He said in verse 3, "I tried cheering myself with wine. " He was wary of it because of the effects he had seen that wine had on people. He says in verse 3, "My mind still guiding me with wisdom. " Perhaps he thought there may something of value in it. His conclusion is found in that third verse. He was "embracing folly". A drunk became a Christian and told his workmates of his new lifestyle. They laughed at him. "You don't believe all that rubbish in the Bible do you, about Jesus turning water into wine?" "One thing I do know", said the man, "Jesus has turned beer into furniture and food in my house!" What is good about a hangover? Jesus said in John 4 verse 14, "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. " The living water thoroughly satisfies the thirsty soul.
Solomon now turns to Possessions. So many people look for fulfilment and purpose in material possessions. Solomon had it all. He said in verse 4, "I undertook great projects. I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. " He goes on to talk about his many servants, his musicians, and his great riches. He tells us in verse 10, "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired". Are you accumulating many possessions trying to find meaning and contentment? Jesus said in Luke 12 verse 15, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. " A member of a well known singing group was asked why she left them. She was rich and famous. She had amassed great wealth and riches. The answer she gave was, "I didn't feel fulfilled". The poorest man or woman is the person who may have millions in the bank but does not have Jesus Christ. There was a very wealthy entrepreneur who had the nickname "Mr. Happiness". His biographer revealed that this man, who gave a lot of pleasure to millions, was far from happy himself in his own heart. We read in 2 Timothy 6 verse 17 that we are, "Not to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. "
Solomon tries wisdom again. Perhaps he felt he may have missed something the first time! Yet he arrives at the same conclusion. He says in verse 14, "The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in darkness: but I came to realise that the same fate overtakes them both. " Wisdom can't stop death. He says in verse 16, "Like the fool, the wise man too must die!" This robs wisdom and knowledge of total fulfilment.
The last thing many try to find meaning in life is Employment. But even a good job brings its own problems. Solomon says in verse 23, "All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. " It is good to be employed and do a good days work. But do not look to your employment to bring you deep satisfaction and purpose. The employment situation is so uncertain these days and prospects can be dashed leaving you disappointed. Real meaning is found in a life committed to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, concerning the necessary things of life, in Matthew 6 verse 33, "Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given you as well. "
So if Pleasure, Laughter, Drink, Possessions, Wisdom and Employment do not bring a sense of purpose to our lives, what does? Solomon tells us in verses 24 and 25 were we read, "This too I see is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" Augustine said, "There is a God-shaped void in each of us that only God can fill. " When God is in the centre of your life then you will know meaning and purpose in your life. Without Him life is a meaningless routine. Ask the Lord to be your Saviour and friend. Walking with Jesus brings contentment that the world can never provide.