Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?

O. T. #1528  "Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?"
Sept. 20, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2

LET IT GLOW

Does pleasure bring fulfillment in our life? It is only here today and gone tomorrow, only a memory. Our current society seems to be pleasure seekers. That is why we have so many sports, amusement parts, city parks, and movies. But do they give us meaning in our life?

King Solomon set out to find something to give his life meaning. In verses 1-11, he tried pleasure by:

• using laughter, but it was silly;
• wine;
• seeking wisdom, but found foolishness;
• making gardens and parks, filled with fruit trees;
• building reservoirs to collect water to irrigate his groves;
• buying slaves;
• owning large herds and flocks, more than any king in Jerusalem had;
• acquiring silver and gold and treasures;
• hiring wonderful singers;
• getting anything he wanted.

Solomon denied himself no pleasure. He rejoiced in his work and labor, but in the long run, it was all vanity, empty. "Things" did not produce fulfillment and meaning for this king.
Do you know people like that? They substitute projects, things, activities for the one thing which could bring them purpose and fulfillment-Jesus Christ. He is better than all these things; He is better than life.

LET IT GROW

So pleasures and possessions bring emptiness, according to Solomon. What about wisdom, is it the way to go toward fulfillment? At this time in his life, the king considers it to be not so. (Later, in chapter 12, he thinks differently.) His conclusion is that both wise and foolish people all die in the end. Why pursue wisdom?

We know it is better to be wise than foolish, to live with good judgment rather than spend life in ignorance. Seeking wisdom has definite advantages in this life. Because we are limited in our understanding, it is most important that we come to know God who is infinite and all-knowing.
Solomon realized that wisdom alone cannot guarantee eternal life. Wisdom, riches, and personal achievement matter very little after death-everyone must die. We must not build our lives on perishable pursuits, but on the solid foundation of God. Then even if everything we have is taken away, we still will have God, who is all we really need anyway. God makes it clear that what we do here has a great impact upon our eternal reward. (Life Application Study Bible)

As Christians, we believe living in this world is not all there is. It is our temporary home. Our eternal home is coming, and it will be forever and forever. The only way to spend it in heaven is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Have you, my friend?


LET IT GO

Don't pursue perishable things, but lay up treasures in heaven for the glory of Jesus.
Remind me always, that pleasures are only temporary.
show me Your will so I can do it today.