Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 12:8 "'All is meaningless,' says the Teacher, 'utterly meaningless.'"

As I was casually reading a few chapters of the often underrated Book of Ecclesiastes, I came across this verse. Honestly, it struck me by surprise solely for the fact that Solomon, the author, just finished proclaiming how wonderful life is with Jesus. Just the chapter before he states "Life is sweet; it's wonderful to see the sun!" So, understanding the context of this statement was difficult, but hear me out.

Life with Jesus is something else, but it's not perfection. If I'm being honest, I'm not happy and cheery 24/7, I can't always see the glass as half full, I can't always understand learning lessons in the middle of the trial, but I know I wouldn't give this life up for anything. Everything about this world is beautiful. The diverse cultures, languages, food, architecture, landscapes, and people all create an astonishing combination of glory for our God. Yet according to Solomon, everything is meaningless here on earth. And here's what I think he means:

If you live life working paycheck to paycheck, if you only do things to please yourself, if you make it through life putting in the bare minimal effort possible, if you have come to the conclusion that there is no purpose for this life and therefore, no reward (or counter-punishment) afterwards, then yes, all is meaningless.

The point he was making was living your life for the Lord gives everything a meaning.

The common phrase "Everything happens for a reason" can come into play here. Sometimes that reason will be unraveled on earth, whether hours or years after the incident; and sometimes that reason comes to completion when you are met with your Savior. THAT is what I think Solomon was meaning. And how could it not be true? He was the wisest man to ever live.

Ecclesiastes 1:18 "The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow."

Think. This man was so wise he was in pain and these are the words God told him to relent to His people. To live life with purpose and meaning is so rewarding, because I am not living it for myself or another human (that can easily let me down or I can easily let down). Our perfect God has accepted you, scars and all, and has called you a chosen masterpiece.

Thus, live life with purpose, otherwise, all is utterly meaningless.