Ecclesiastes stands as a stern warning to the Christian to not seek fulfillment merely in the things of this earth. The writer explored every aspect popularly considered to bring enjoyment for a man. He investigated wisdom and knowledge, but found that they brought pain. He delved into sensual pleasures and found they left him empty. He considered fame, but found it was always short lived. Every accomplishment imaginable left him void. Apart from God nothing satisfied him.
However, Ecclesiastes also stands as a reminder not to miss the enjoyable things God has given us. The readers are prompted to find pleasure doing the things in life that God has provided for us. This includes honest work, a strong marriage and even food and drink. Qoheleth (i.e., the preacher) helps the Christian to remember that God is as much in the mundane material aspects of our life as he is in the spiritual. God wants us to enjoy both now on Earth.
Ecclesiastes gives the Christian insight into how non-Christians may perceive their lives. Most of us are just average people. There are times when we see others and think they may have it all and be completely fulfilled. Qoheleth shows us this is not the case. Those pursing a life apart from God are missing something and they know it. We can reach out to these people armed with this information.
Ecclesiastes provides a great example of faith for Christians to follow. The believer today lives with promises of an afterlife. Therefore, at least theoretically, it is easier for us to suffer through the bad parts of life. The Old Testament saint was not so certain since God’s promises of blessings and curses were always related to life on Earth. Nevertheless, Qoheleth was certain that remaining faithful to God was the better path--even with a perspective that justice is not always carried out. He maintained his faith in God’s character even without all the answers (far fewer than we have today). Believers today would do well to follow in this faith trusting God resulting in obedience.
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