What's the Point? (A Study in Ecclesiastes: Part 2)Sample

Q CONTINUES HIS QUEST...

We last left Q mulling over the fate of the wise and the fool alike, “How the wise dies just like the fool! So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity (hevel) and a striving after wind." Remember, Q is embarked on a journey to answer the question, “what’s the point?” And so far, he does not seem to be finding satisfactory answers. Wisdom appears to have some value, but the wise and the foolish will still come to the same end. So, what is the point?

Q is nothing if not persistent. His quest continues. He thinks perhaps work might be the point of our lives. Labor, toil, finding purpose, being useful. This must have some worth, some lasting value! After all, we spend so many hours of our lives working… Spoiler alert! Q’s quest will not find a satisfactory end. But we can learn from his words.

Ask Yourself: How do I feel about my work? Is my personal significance bound up in the significance of my work? How much of my life is made up of work and toil?

Pause to Pray: Lord, as I follow Q’s quest “under the sun,” keep my eyes looking up to you for meaning and significance…

Take the Next Step: Tally the time spent at work and in toil during your week. Beyond your paid job, consider household chores, yard work, serving others, etc.