October 9, 2011

Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 3:1-15, James 4:1-10, Jeremiah 17-18

Journal Entry

Scripture

13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. (ESV)

Observation

This passage reminds us of the futility of secular power and advancement. Secular power, popularity and fame achieved by human effort are temporal and insecure. Advancement without God is meaningless and will be quickly destroyed.

Application

Today’s lesson is a good reminder for me to focus less on what people think of me but rather focus more on what God would think of me, my thoughts and my actions. At work, I try so hard in my own human effort to earn the favor of my management as well as to earn respect and admiration of my staff. I often forget that God is the one that enables my success and advancement in my career. Even when approaching the church ministry, I often first worry about what others would say or think rather than what God would say or whether or not He would be pleased by it. We all know how people’s mind and opinion can change so wildly and quickly. We have seen presidents’ approval ratings fluctuate like a rollercoaster over the course of their terms. Even in Jesus’ times, we have seen people singing Hosanna to Jesus one day and shouting to crucify Him the next day. So I know I shouldn’t focus and put my trust in people. I will learn to focus on pleasing God and earning His approval in my thoughts and actions.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for convicting my heart with your truth today. Forgive me for fearing people more than fearing you. Forgive me for focusing my energy in the temporal things of this world rather than the things that will make eternal differences. Please allow me courage and faith to focus and invest my time and effort in the things that will bring honor and pleasure to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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