Futile strivings
by Charles Bertelsmeier
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Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
Read Ecclesiastes 2:1–16
In trying to find meaning for his life, Solomon launched himself into many projects. He lists them in chapter two of Ecclesiastes: entertainment, alcohol, construction projects, gardens, large numbers of workers (slaves), flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, a harem with hundreds of wives and concubines, wealth and accumulation of knowledge. And having achieved all this, he still felt empty.
Two of Solomon’s building projects were his palace and the temple in Jerusalem, where no expense was spared. Yet, they were both destroyed by the Babylonians more than 2,500 years ago.
None of these things are wrong or evil in themselves. They are gifts given to us by God for our enjoyment. But there is something much more important God wants to give us that brings us a sense of peace and fulfilment – and that is an intimate relationship with himself.
God was not unhappy with the temple that Solomon built for him. But standing in front of the temple and contemplating the awesome building he had produced didn’t fill Solomon with fulfilment for long. That was to be achieved by an ongoing living relationship with God – just like his father, King David, had. David didn’t accomplish anywhere near what Solomon achieved but is a greater person in God’s eyes, being described as ‘a man after God’s heart’.
Solomon was trying to convey to his readers the need to review our goals and what we are trying to achieve. We can go after the same goals that Solomon tried out. And God, in his awesome love and patience, will let us do that. And we will come to the same conclusions as Solomon if we are prepared to be honest. But I know people who stubbornly cling to achieving their goals and end up being very angry about the unfairness of the way life is treating them.
Heavenly Father, why is it so hard for us to learn to let go of trying to achieve meaning through the gifts you so generously give us? Please help us instead to surrender to the one gift, Jesus, who is life forever. Amen.
Charles is a retired engineer who has worked on communications projects for the air force, army and navy. He lives in a retirement village in the outer north-western suburbs of Sydney with his wife, Diane. Together, they have four children and eight grandchildren, all of whom they love spending time with. Charles keeps busy caring for their pot plants and a community vegetable garden, researching his family history and volunteering at LifeWay Lutheran Church.
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