And I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19)
We work so hard in this life. We put in long hours at the office and we work diligently to keep our homes in order.
We achieve and we attain. We strive for things and reach our goals.
Some are even able to amass riches in this life beyond what they could imagine.
Maybe you are able to buy that “car of your dreams” or take that “trip of a lifetime.”
Maybe you finally get your “dream home” or your clothing meets the highest fashion standards.
Maybe you are finally able to open up that trust fund for your kids and send them off to the finest college. Maybe your bank account gets fatter and your pockets get fuller.
All this is great. And if you live your life for Jesus, hopefully He remains the focus of your life, and not your achievements and possessions.
Hopefully you are wise in using all you have attained to further the kingdom of God.
The fact is that no matter what we achieve or accomplish on this earth, we can’t take it with us. It is left behind.
If we have riches, hopefully we leave them to someone with wisdom who will use them to do good in the world, to share with those in need, to make a difference in the lives of others.
That is the hope, but there is no guarantee of that. There is no guarantee that our hard work here on earth will mean anything to the ones who are left holding it.
All we take with us are the souls we lead to Christ, and even they come in God’s timing, not ours.
There is no suitcase filled with treasures, no purse full of necessities, no briefcase full of unfinished work, no bank accounts or closets full of fine clothing.
It is TRULY and TOTALLY about our relationship with God. We should spend our time toiling under the sun for the things of God, sharing the gospel to all who will hear. In the end, that is really all that matters.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Are You Living For God or The World? - March 31, 2016
- Easy Like a Sunday Morning? … I Wish It Were That Simple - March 17, 2016
