Have you ever found yourself thinking that “When I get _______ then I’ll feel satisfied,” or “When I become __________ things will be better.”
The Olympics have wrapped up now and I think we can all agree that those athletes have a lot going for them. They’re Olympians! They are the best of the best! They have made it! They must be satisfied…
In our reading today, the author is looking for purpose and satisfaction in everything the world can offer, and he is getting it. He has made it! He has it all…
“Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)
Olympians have made it. Super Bowl champions have made it. Actors have made it. Artists have made it. Social media influencers have made it. They have it all.
We look at these people who have “made it” and think, if only we had that. But the people we see as those who have “made it” are still looking for more. One medal isn’t enough. One championship isn’t enough. One movie isn’t enough. One tour is not enough. One million followers is not enough. We are always looking for the next thing. We are always looking for more.
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
These things aren’t bad. Dreams and goals are good things to have and to accomplish. What happens when you get to the top? What happens when you have “made it?”
What is your “why?” Why do you want to chase that dream or be that person? What does success look like to you? Where are you finding your success?
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Everything is meaningless if your “why” is rooted in things of this world — things that are going to fail you and leave you wanting more.
In Christ, there is purpose. In Christ there is meaning. Our reward is in heaven. It is eternal life with Christ. What if this is your why? What if you chased that dream and became that person so you could experience heaven on earth today? What if you used that dream to bring others to Christ?
What if your “why” was Christ.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Questions for reflection:
- What is your biggest goal/dream in life?
- How can you use this goal/dream to bring God glory?