Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ec 5:10-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
The rich man can not sleep and the man who toils after the wind leaves with nothing. Should I be on the side of the laborer or the Owner? You even have the man with a Son but nothing to give him. But I guess it is better to eat and drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. This is where most of us are left. Give up, throw your hands in the air it is all meaningless.
But God does not have us labor in vain. God does not leave us empty handed. No, I am not just jumping to the fact that he has given us Christ Jesus and Eternal Life. He has given you gifts in your life. Yes, here gifts and talents and things you enjoy. These are where you labor and enjoy it. God is telling us to find something you Love to do and do it. This can be staying home and taking care of your family. This can be sitting in front of your Computer all day. But this does not mean to lose sight of responsibilities.
God has given you various vocations. Not necessarily religious vocations, but has placed you in positions to use your talents. This can be in the church, but that does not make the work any more sanctified. If you are a garbage collector do your best and hold your head up high. If you are working in food preparation or a dirty factory enjoy your time.
Eat and drink and enjoy your labor as you do it for the glory of God. Spend time with those you love. The Rich man is worried about his money. The man who toils after the wind is always worrying about his next step or project. The man who spends time with his son does not have to worry about possessions he leaves behind. Enjoy the Life God has given you and serve and obey the one who has redeemed you. God gave you life and God has given you redemption even when you fail. He is still there with you.
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