Session 15

A reason to live

From Ecclesiastes: A 20-Day Devotional

How many times have you heard someone say: "The only sure things in life are death and taxes"? The person who originally came up with that concept was King Solomon. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: "It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway" (Ecclesiastes 9:3 NLT).

Ok, he didn't say anything about taxes, but if he was paying them, he would have. But, let's look more closely at what he says before that. People assume they have no hope, so they do whatever they want without concerning themselves with the consequences, because they are going to die anyway. Sound familiar? Amazing how little has changed in 3,000 years.

Now fast forward 1,000 years after Solomon to the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope of the world. As followers of Jesus, we are expected to view our lives differently than in Solomon's time. Paul gives us the right perspective in Ephesians: "So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do" (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT).

Love the people God has put in your midst. 

These verses stand in stark contrast to those in Ecclesiastes. Live fully aware of the consequences of our actions. Don’t waste a single opportunity to do good by loving those God has put in our midst.

Reflect:

• Are you living for yourself or for God?
• Who is one person in your life God is asking you to "do good" to?
• What is one way you can do that?