IS LIFE MEANINGLESS?

According to King Solomon it is: [NOTE: Vanity=King James Version; same as Meaningless = NIV]

“What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:3,4)

“And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity (meaningless) and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:10,11)

“For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:21-24)

“Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

“As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?” (Ecclesiastes 5:15, 16)

“All labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.” (Ecclesiastes 6:7)

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity (meaningless). (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

BUT Jesus adds MEANING and HOPE to life, for He says:

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:27)

“Lay not for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For whence your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; not yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matthew 6:24, 25)

AND The Apostle Paul adds this:

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23, 24)

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Timothy also has something to say:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2: 15, 16)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

So, to repeat my question: Is life meaningless as Solomon admonishes? Absolutely not—not when your hope and focus is on Jesus Christ and His finished work on the Cross! For He Himself said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

PRAYER:

“I will praise Thee, O Lord; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Keep my focus, O Lord, on Jesus, who is my only hope for life Eternal. Amen”

SING HIM PRAISE:

"All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;

Him gladly serve, His praise forth tell,

Come ye before Him, and rejoice . . ."

[Rev. William Kethe, 1561]

Be Blessed....Be Comforted!