How can we ‘TRULY PROFIT’ from all our earthly LABOR?
July 10
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapters 4-6
How can we ‘TRULY PROFIT’ from all our earthly LABOR?
"As he came from his mother's
womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; and he shall take nothing from
his labor which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a severe evil--
just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored
for the wind?"
(Eccl. 5:15-16)
In the above
passage, Solomon ponders the tragedies of unused and lost wealth. Whatever is
not lost “through misfortune” must be
left behind at death. Earthly labor appears to be in vain.We come from our mother’s
womb empty-handed and must leave this world empty-handed as well. In spite of
all the money that we have been able to accumulate during our lifetime, we
cannot carry any wealth with us.Cecil Rhodes spent years exploiting the natural
resources of South Africa. When he was about to die, he cried out in remorse:
“I’ve found much in Africa. Diamonds,
gold and land are mine, but now I must leave them all behind. Not a thing I’ve
gained can be taken with me. I have not sought eternal treasures; therefore I
actually have nothing at all.”
When
believers recognize that their work is a gift from God, work can become a joy
(5:18–20). Our work is part of God’s plan to establish His eternal kingdom. In
this sense, we can be assured that our faithful commitment to our work will
have eternal consequences and reap eternal rewards (see 1 Cor. 3:8, 14; 15:58).
The poor
think all their problems will be solved with more money, and the rich have
problems because of their money! Money does not satisfy (v. 10), does not guarantee
peace (v. 12), is easily lost, and is therefore an unsure foundation for life. "Now godliness with contentment is
great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be
content." (1 Tim. 6:6-8)
Then how can
we truly profit from all our earthly labor? The answer to this is that we
should plan and work towards accumulating riches that belong to the kingdom of
God. These the words of Jesus Christ in this regard: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do
not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also." (Matt 6:19-21)
