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Why do anything?

By Anonymous


Why do we work?
- to make money
- to provide for our needs
- because that's what God made us for
- to be able to retire
- to be able to do the things we really want to do
- because everyone works
- because mom doesn't want us to be lazy
- why not

Let me tell you, work can be painfully hard. I've woken up, slaved about my work all day only to find out that there is even more to do tomorrow. My dad works and works all week only to find that we need more food, the gas tank is empty, or there's another bill to pay. It's a vicious cycle.

What's the point of doing anything for that matter?

We seem to get no further ahead. In the end, we will die, and nothing we've accomplished on earth will really matter. Even the relationships we make will die when we die, and we will be forgotten.

These were the questions the preacher, in Ecclesiastes, was asking. After the more famously known passage "a time for everything" in Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, we read this:

"What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?" Ecclesiastes 3:9

In verse 10, we discover that God has given us our work.

In verse 11, we read that God has a purpose from the beginning to the end, that we can't see or understand, where He will make all things beautiful in His time. We also see that God has placed eternity on our hearts.

The things we do have profit in God's eternal plan.

Though this mystery of God's eternal plan is hidden from us, God has revealed part of it through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Romans 16:25-26)

God's eternal plan includes the salvation sinful people. God predestined and has called us to be conformed to the image of Christ. For those who love God, He has promised to work everything out for our good to conform us to that image. (Romans 8:28-29)

There's more than just this life to live for.

God has set eternity in our hearts. Why? To give us hope and purpose to live for. We live for the purpose of seeing God glorified forever.


The profit in our labour, is in what God makes of it. It is not in how much we get done, how much wealth we store up, or in the pleasure it gives us. The value of our life does not rest on our earthly accomplishments, but in God's hands. God promises to make it beautiful.

What is our response?

"I know that there is no good in them [our work], but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Rejoice:

Why should we rejoice?

Because God has redeemed our lives and given us purpose and meaning. If we don't get our best life now, rejoice! God has placed eternity on our hearts. We have hope in the life to come.

We don't have to worry about the events of our lives: moving, getting a job, dealing with difficult people, enduring sickness, etc. There is a time and season for everything. We can trust God that He will make all things beautiful in His time. God's work is to conform us into His image. Nothing is pointless or a waste in God's plan.

Do good in your life:

Why should we do good? Isn't God already going to make everything beautiful in His time?

We find our answer a few verses ahead in the same chapter:

"I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for ever purpose and for every work." Ecclesiastes 3:17

Perhaps justice and fairness could fit under the category of beautiful. Though God is sovereign over the works of our hands, it doesn't do away with the responsibility of our works. Fear God and do good. What we sow on earth will be reaped in eternity and we forever will live with its rewards.

Enjoy the fruit of you labour:

God hasn't only given us the burdensome task of work, but the enjoyment that comes with it. We don't earn anything. It is a gift.

Seeing that it is a gift from God, why should we not take it?

It is not wrong to enjoy the pleasures of this earth.  He made it, yes, for His glory, but for us! Lets not feel guilty in accepting it, but take it from God's hand, and praise Him for it. God delights to give His people gifts, and it delights Him to see us rejoice in Him.

What we do has meaning and purpose, because God gives it meaning and purpose. Lets rejoice and live for Him!

Sincerely,
Brooke

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