Restoration: Deluxe Bible PlanSample

Day 4: Over the Top

“I got awards a lot of plaques

But they don't keep my soul intact

You lose your mind and gain the racks

The fame a drug, the same as crack”

“…all is vanity and a striving after wind. “ When you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see this phrase time and time again. While we don’t know for certain who wrote the book, King Solomon is thought to be the author. King Solomon had everything a person could ever want. He had more wealth, fame, power and status than anyone in history. This guy had more awards and plaques than he knew what to do with. He was the definition of someone who had “made it.” Yet at the end of his life, when he reflects back on all of his hard work and all of his accomplishments, he comes to a harsh realization – nothing lasts and apart from God it’s all meaningless.

Culture tells us that hope and life is found in our status and in our wealth. Yet so many people, like Solomon, come to the end of their lives having placed all of their hope in these things and come up empty. So what is the remedy? How do we live a life filled with purpose and meaning? How do we make our lives count? Solomon at the end of Ecclesiastes comes to the ultimate conclusion that life apart from God is meaningless. This stands true for us today as well. Success and awards won’t matter when we stand before the Lord in eternity. What gives our life purpose is our relationship with Christ and living a life for Him. Colossians 3:23-24 shows us how we can live our lives for the Lord, achieve true success and avoid coming to the end of our lives with regret. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to value eternal success above worldly success. I thank you for the unique gifts and abilities you have given me and ask that you help me to use them for Your name and for Your glory. In Jesus name.