The Meaning of Life

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” 
Ecclesiastes 12:13

What is the meaning of life? This question has been posed and debated for centuries. To the follower of God the answer is, on the surface, simple: obey God and honor Him for the remainder of your earthly days. But this earnest commitment is often challenged and tested. Hardships and travails strive to snuff out the spiritual fire lit inside the heart of believers. In the process, apathy and doubt often creep in, along with an unwillingness to maintain the pursuit of integrity or righteousness. But to the unbeliever, the meaning of life is truly an enigma. Life appears to some to be a perplexing quandary of disappointments and unfulfilling endeavors. Without a fundamental understanding of God’s order, authority, and structure cynicism can become a fixed sentiment in the mind of those outside the knowledge of God’s love, mercy, and wisdom.

But there is more to life than bearing burdens and lugging around mentally-shattered dreams. There is more to life than dreading the start of each day, or feeling as though it will overwhelm and dissatisfy. There is more to life because there is more to learn and appreciate about God. And one of the best biblical confirmations of this truth is found in Ecclesiastes, a collection of life principles collected and recorded by King Solomon. Interestingly enough, the meaning of the word Ecclesiastes can be rendered “preacher.” In this context, Ecclesiastes reads like a sermon meant to stir and awaken the sleeping souls who are willing to be jarred from a state of spiritual complacency.

Scripture confirms that as Solomon grew older he became less and less devoted to God. Foreign wives and idols consumed him, and turned him away from a singular worship of the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-4). Consequently, near the end of Solomon’s life he recognized how horribly he had squandered the fruitful years of his reign as king. Therefore, the narrative of Ecclesiastes resonates with tones of regret and jadedness. Sadly, when life becomes fixated with self-pleasing affairs then the purpose of life seems unrewarding and pointless. In other words, captivity to worldly trappings brings about raw emptiness. Wicked indulgences yield fleeting gratification. Temporary delights vanish and leave a hollow despair and frustration. Callousness then sets in, and frames the world in a very dark, dismal outlook. 

The underlying lesson is this: the absolute blessing of the earthly life is not to exhaust all means of self-pleasing pursuits, but rather to discover the salvation of God, as made available and accessible through Jesus Christ. When redemption conquers the sin-stained core of a convert then life becomes about adoration (of God), celebration (for God’s grace), and preparation for the life that is to come – a life of eternal meaning, satisfaction, and joy. A life in which God’s followers receive the privilege of praising God in His glorious, everlasting presence.

The wisdom sayings included in Ecclesiastes enforce the fact that there is a joyful cohesion that can, and should, take shape in a believer’s life. An upright heart. An honorable mouth. An unbreakable spirit. Industrious hands. But when mankind veers away from God’s truth then the cohesion we were meant to enjoy through God’s fellowship, forgiveness, and favor fractures. Slowly, but surely, we can begin to disgrace the Lord’s holy character with mischievous thoughts, words, and deeds. And so Ecclesiastes outlines the eventual conclusion of such ill-advised behavior. It provides drastic examples of wicked conduct in order to help us avoid the inherent pitfalls of selfish living. 

Ecclesiastes provides some stark warnings. Do not praise God with your lips only to turn around and smear others, or use profane speech. Do not lift your hands in worship to God only to later let your hands be idle in labor, or use them to steal from those around you. Do not pledge yourself to the service of God only to become enamored solely by secularism. But despite the largely sorrow-filled text of Ecclesiastes there is an overarching ray of hope: the thought of eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11). To consider heaven is to consider God. To consider God is to forego the egocentric mindset that stifles spiritual growth. The Lord desires that we look to Him rather than to ourselves. When humanity dwells on the toil, the work, the calamities of this world, how can we respond but with gloominess? But if we will dwell on God, heaven, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s overall legacy and character then we can be moved with encouragement-filled stirrings. 

Ecclesiastes reminds us that a conceited life is an unhappy life for it is always searching for another fleshly source of intrinsic pleasure and meaning. However, a deeply satisfying life is found by delving into God’s Word and aligning our doctrine to it. In conclusion, the meaning of life on earth is basic in nature, but difficult in practice: find God and honor Him all the days of our pilgrimage. For believers, death on earth is the beginning of life in heaven, the superior and glorious realm of God. Heaven is the privileged place, not earth. Our body is a momentary shell, but our soul will be fitted for the everlasting. So may we hold fast to this deliberation and savor the beauty of God’s design. This life has much to offer, but what remains to be seen, heaven, is better still.  

The Marvel of a Mature Marriage

“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.” 
Song of Songs 8:7

Marriage has become one of the most underappreciated and maligned institutions in the modern-day culture. Long-standing marital values are practically challenged at every possible opportunity. To some, marriage is regarded as too old-fashioned, outdated, or traditionalist. To others, it is viewed as an unnecessary requirement, and offers little-to-no significant emotional or spiritual benefit. Therefore, many men and women willfully choose to pursue the benefits of a wedded life without the underlying commitment or pledge to cherish the one they are with, no matter what may happen. When there is an unstated exit clause to a spousal-like relationship it does not promote fidelity or faithfulness. But God had a much different paradigm when He created Adam and Eve. Per Genesis 2:22-24, the original woman was literally made from Adam’s body. God did this to signify the symbolic unity and cohesion that is meant to be fashioned through a husband and wife. 

Although Adam and Eve were the forerunners of matrimony another biblical passage highlights the natural splendor that marriage can, and should, evoke: Song of Songs. This Scriptural book epitomizes romantic communication and connection. It highlights the relational progression that beautifully transforms friends into spouses. Through this account we see the advancement of a couple through various phases: intrigue, interest, interaction, investment, and finally marital intimacy. The exchanges between the man and woman in this story are edifying, extravagant, and exotic. But the exchanges begin with shared glances and complimentary speech (Song of Songs 1). As the book unfolds the dialogue becomes more personal and passionate (Song of Songs 2). As their knowledge of one another deepens the couple’s association intensifies (Song of Songs 3). A wedding is soon planned and performed (Song of Songs 4). But the couple later experiences an argument, which causes them to part ways momentarily (Song of Songs 5). But then the husband and wife reunite and affirm the affection they signified through their wedding ceremony and vows (Song of Songs 7-8). 

There are two primary aspects to this biblical account worth reviewing: the sanctity of marriage and the struggles of marriage. Regarding the sanctity of marriage realize that there comes a point in a courting relationship when two people know they are equally ready to establish a commitment and solidify this passion by entering into marriage. But sometimes this longing can be snuffed out when one person in the relationship is immature or lacks the conviction to honor the bond as it develops. Song of Songs 2:7b provides this sober warning: do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. In other words, do not outpace the obligation that a marital union will someday require. God established the institution of marriage, along with its essential covenantal, binding structure. But so many people possess the enthusiasm for attraction and romance, but not the maturity or discipline to earnestly exercise sacrificial love. Many courtships break off at some point for this reason. But with time comes knowledge, understanding, patience, and appreciation. The couple portrayed in Song of Songs knew what they had and did not want to awaken love until it was ready to be fully shared and expressed in marriage.   

Regarding the struggles of marriage realize that marriage is certainly not without hardship. In fact, conflict plays a prominent role in the Song of Songs narrative, particularly in Song of Songs 5:2-8. The hesitancy of one spouse to respond to the other aggravated the husband to the point of leaving. The wife then searched for her mate, but to no avail. Clearly, as wonderful as the institution of marriage is it is still challenging and demanding. Hurtful words and actions will eventually be exchanged. But how such emotional wounds are dealt with says a lot about the integrity and character of the couple. And the couple in Song of Songs did eventually resolve their differences. They did not abandon the fervent oath they gave to one another, thus showing God’s followers that reconciliation is necessary to stoking the embers of marriage. So even in marital strife a complimentary and committed mindset should be present (Song of Songs 6:3). Although we may be tempted to jettison a spouse when times are tough this is not the proper conduct of love. Love is covenantal and does not entertain weak, halfhearted behavior. Through all storms love can hold and hold fast. It does not seek to push away, but, instead, pull in. It does not hinder; it heals. It does not exclude; it includes.              

In short, the Song of Songs is a love story - a story that follows the introduction of a man and a woman, and follows it all the way through to the satisfying conclusion of matrimony between the two. This tale is novel and endearing. The communication between the man and woman drips with tender expressions. So the question then becomes why can’t all marriages share this excitement and vibrant affection? The man and woman in the Song of Songs account partook in a relationship that was strong and secure. When the mutual desires for faith, closeness, and servanthood are conveyed and carried out a marriage will be able to withstand the trials and tests of life. So often marriage is treated as some unpleasant partnership, where personalities and egos collide with great force. But Song of Songs, like other biblical sections, gives believers tremendous hope by showing us how amazing a marriage can be when God’s love holds it together. Marriage will not be without adversity. But it should always possess two-way affection, kindness, thoughtfulness and closeness. Truly, a mature marriage is something to behold and marvel. 

Humility And Honor

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” 
Proverbs 16:9

Humility and honor – two attributes that are often in short supply in today’s inwardly-focused, irreverent culture. A selfish society would have us indulge our carnal feelings, which tend to gravitate towards the accumulation of personal success and acclaim. If left to our own vices we would naturally assume a platform to champion our own perceived skillsets and abilities. But the model laid out in Scripture is contrary to the pride and arrogance that typically saturates our world. Through the Bible we find that God desires for His followers to apply a modest, unassuming spirit to our endeavors. Granted, this does not mean that we should be silent, timid, or immobile in our work. But we must be diligently aspire to continually evaluate our plans through the will and Word of God. To say it another way, God has the first and final say in our affairs and we do well to ensure that our pursuits are in alignment with the disposition and doctrine of the Lord.     

And so we find that one short statement in Proverbs 16:9 encapsulates the aforementioned considerations. In this diminutive verse humanity is encouraged to develop plans and visions, but such plans and visions must be in accordance with the approval and authority of God. Though we have the endorsement to dream dreams and craft ideas for our future it is the Lord Who ultimately permits, or prevents, such notions from seeing the light of day. Implicit in this reflection is a fundamental truth that this earth, and all it contains, is under God’s care and control (Psalm 24:1). This is why the Lord has the prerogative to intervene in our lives and set us on a different path, should He choose to.   

If we are true to God’s direction He is sure to guide us. But this is obviously an affront to our fleshly nature. Mankind, more often than not, wants honor without humility. Success without sacrifice. Commendation without cost. Triumph without tragedy. But this is not how God tends to ordain the learning experience of life. Through God, humility precedes honor. Success entails sacrifice. Commendation involves cost. And triumph frequently includes tragedy.

But what is humility? Let us momentarily dwell on some of its aspects. Humility does not seek to be exalted or draw attention to itself. It does not suffer from a superiority complex. It does not yearn for the public spotlight, or broadcast its every upright act. But is the mindset that the world advances? Hardly. There is no shortage of people  who crave adoration and attention. They vainly indulge their appetite for popularity and long for a permanent seat at the table of elitism. But God’s system functions much differently. In God, leaders understand the integrity of giving commands because they have mastered the art of receiving commands. In other words, leaders know how to lead because they know how to follow. Conversely, high-functioning teachers, in God’s framework, are gifted because they have discovered how to be high-functioning students. 

When we survey the instruction of God we sense a great spiritual reckoning. God’s recorded precepts are a mechanism He employs to help us exhibit nobility. Proverbs 19 is a prime example. In Proverbs 19 believers are inspired to possess a noble walk and noble words (Proverbs 19:1). Noble thoughts (Proverbs 19:2). A noble heart (Proverbs 19:3). Noble relationships (Proverbs 19:4). A noble witness (Proverbs 19:5). A noble work ethic (Proverbs 19:15). A noble attitude (Proverbs 19:16). As we let God’s extraordinary nature govern us we become more apt to replicate His holy, noble traits. The Lord desires not a part of us but all of us. Only through a total character transformation can we become vessels that can splendidly convey God’s greatness and goodness. All this to say, God’s charter is that we should structure our life’s ambitions through His counsel and consent for only then can we adequately perceive that humility comes before honor, not the other way around.  

The Peace God's Presence Provides

“And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt…and had peace on all sides…he spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.” 
1 Kings 4:21a, 24b, and 32

Peace. We often think of it as the absence of conflict, but peace is a spiritual state of rest in God that abides completely and fully, even in the midst of conflict. The Bible illustrates that King Solomon discovered how to achieve an abundance of peace, at both the personal level and at the national level. In his early reign as the civil leader of Israel he resolved to seek the Lord’s will above his own, and acknowledge his dependency upon God. His public prayers and his private communication with God (via dreams) displayed a humble heart – a heart willing and ready to be directed by God. A heart determined to serve and honor God.    

1 Kings 4 records the ultimate blessing that accompanies a heart surrendered to God: peace. Solomon’s spirit was obviously penetrated by the considerations of God. He was so enamored with the splendor of God’s presence, and its subsequent supply of peace, that he was moved to compose songs of praise, as well as wisdom sayings (1 Kings 4:32). Clearly, when our mind is filled with the wonder of God we are more likely to find that our hands are consumed with the work of God, and our life is filled with the worship of God. 

Solomon was saturated by divine inspiration and instruction. Believers can learn so much if we are eager to apply ourselves to absorbing the holy educational values that Scripture and our Sovereign God offer. When we choose to follow the ways of God we find a better reason for living, and seek to pull away from self-centered pursuits. Fellowship with God yields a fullness and joy. The Lord is the source of hope. He is the source of peace. In short, a pure, peace-filled heart comes from a honing of the spirit, and a pruning of our mind.

Through the verses of 1 Kings 4 we find that there are numerous benefits to living a disciplined life, a life surrendered to God: principles, ethics, character, and morals. Solomon, in his youth, was a faithful follower of God. He was studious, hard-working, diligent, slow to become angry, and thoughtful toward others. He wasn't a complainer. He wasn’t hasty to make questionable business dealings. He was steadfastly content in his everyday affairs, knowing that he was ultimately striving to honor God. He was both a teacher and a servant. He saw the need for noble rule and desired not to abuse it, but, rather, to properly utilize it. 

When God's followers embrace the love of God we learn to embrace the labor of God. Such labor can be grueling and exhausting, but when we understand what it means to work as unto the Lord we see our efforts as a form of submission and worship. As a result of Solomon’s dedication to the Lord his household overflowed with productive activity. And God granted Israel peace under Solomon’s rule. And so may the peace of God continually rule our hearts, as it once ruled Solomon’s. 

The Poignancy of Prayer

“He (Solomon) stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. He said…” 

2 Chronicles 6:13b-14a

Prayer is so vitally important to a believer’s life and yet it tends to be a seldom-used spiritual discipline for so many of God’s followers. Through heaven-bound supplication we have the opportunity to render commendation and confession. Awe and apprehension. Tribute and trepidation. Praise and petition. Prayer can cover a gamut of emotional joys and distresses, but the underlying belief is that comfort and conviction can only be found in God and God alone. Prayer, therefore, is a means of affirming the understanding that the Lord is Supreme, Sovereign, and Sustainer of this life (earth), and the life that is still to come (eternity).    

There are many examples of passionate prayers recorded in Scripture but perhaps one of the most poignant supplications provided in the Bible was proffered by Solomon. 2 Chronicles 6 and its sister passage in 1 Kings 8 document the King of Israel’s plea, which is worthy of reflection and recognition. But the setting must first be briefly explored to appreciate the context of Solomon’s prayer. A long-awaited day had arrived for Israel: the temple's construction was complete. The desire that began with Solomon’s father, David, a desire to move the Ark of the Covenant to a permanent structure (rather than reside in a portable tent), had finally come to fruition. By the time Solomon officially began building the temple it took some seven years to finish it (1 Kings 6:38). This was truly a labor of love that spanned two generations of Hebrew kings. 

Realizing the gravity of the situation Solomon prepared a dedication worship service that was replete with sacrifices, singing, and sacred meditation. There is much to glean from the Scriptural chapters surrounding this momentous event in history, but the closing worship prayer that the king yielded is the primary focus of this review. In 1 Kings 8:23-53 and 2 Chronicles 6:14-42 Solomon affectionately spoke to God in a public plea that highlighted the heart of a young man who was deeply influenced by his relationship with God. The king led by example. He fell on his knees and petitioned God aloud, not to bring glory to himself, but to bring glory to God. 

Solomon’s prayer-based communication addressed forgiveness, fulfillment, compassion, grace, holy judgment, evangelism, inclusion, and hope. His supplication maintained an overwhelming sense of assurance. The king did not display doubt in God; he displayed certainty. Such is the disposition of one who daily walks steadfastly with the Lord.  Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 and 1 Kings 8 addressed the glorious character of God. He pleaded with the Lord to be merciful, especially when the Hebrew people were disobedient. And the King of Israel showed consideration of the neighboring nations of non-Jewish people, and beckoned them to praise God (1 Kings 8:43 and 2 Chronicles 6:43). All in all, this was a world-reaching evangelistic prayer, submitted by an admiration-filled king. 

Great care was taken to ensure that the inaugural temple of God service was occupied with adequate praise. Because of Solomon’s solemn adoration and prayer the people of Israel were entrenched in, and inspired by, a spirit of worship. This was a significant occasion, and Israel observed it with tremendous devotion. When people come together prepared to sacrifice to God the Lord does something special. It will likely not be as noticeable as a bolt of fire flashing from the sky to strike an altar as it did in this account (2 Chronicles 7:1), but breaking hearts and stirring souls is just as great. The Israelites rendered two weeks of offerings after the temple was dedicated (2 Chronicles 7:9). Clearly, this was not a come-and-go celebration; it was an “I need to get my life right” kind of consecration. God’s followers could all stand such spiritual awakenings personally, and corporately, from time to time. But such a happening was made possible, in part, because of the poignant, passionate prayer life of a wise, God-focused king.