“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him, for this is his lot. More over, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work, this is a gift from God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecc. 5:18-20.
These scriptures are rich with wisdom and should give us a better understanding of who God is and His desire for His people. We must live a few years and experience life before we begin to realized the value of our lot in life.
These scriptures point out that man must find satisfaction first in his labor. Our lot in life is that we must work. Regardless of how gifted or talented we are to find satisfaction, work is the key.
It is God who blesses us with possessions and wealth to enjoy. These are not to be idols or a curse but a blessing to be shared. It is a gift from God to be used in God's Kingdom. We are kingdom people who use the few days we have here on earth to enjoy life.
The gladness of heart is because we are occupied with our work. The satisfaction of the privileged to live and enjoy food and fellowship with God. Our lot in life is to be productive and have a truly glad heart. We are blessed to be a blessing.
So, why are we not content with our lot in life? There are probably many more reasons that I can think about, but here's a few.
Maybe it's because we think and worry about what we don't have and over look what we do have. Materialism is not our purpose. To obey and serve God is our purpose. To share and care is our purpose and to love and be love. To realize that to waste our lives is the greatest waste of all. We only have a few days.
Another reason may be we choose careers that don't bring satisfaction. We made this choice just based on how much we will get paid not on the value it can bring to me and my God. Then pride keeps us in bondage because we don't want to admit this choice was a mistake.
Take time in the next few days to think of your lot in life. Examine your motives and purpose. Only we can change what needs to be changed. Remember, it's God's desire that we have “gladness of heart.” What do you need to eliminate that prevents the happiness God has for you? What do you need to begin to do or put into your life that will bring satisfaction?
As I reflect on my “lot in life” it has been great. I do have satisfaction. Would I do some things different? Of course, but I can't change the past. However, I can learn from the past and seek the future with enthusiasm and joy. Think on these things and then pray and act as God directs.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Over the years I have written a great deal about attitude. The reason is that attitude plays such a big role in our behavior. It is simply how and what you think. Have you ever noticed how a day goes when you have a good attitude verses a day when you have a bad attitude? Or, maybe it's not you, but others around you with bad or good attitude. It affects everything.
Someone has said, “1 man with a good attitude is worth 10 who have bad attitudes.” And, I agree. It's impossible to work with people with a bad attitude or get any production for the day.
To me, attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skills. Attitude will make or break a business, church, or family.
We can not change our past or prevent the inevitable from happening. But, we can change our attitude. We are in charge and responsible for our attitude.
The Carnegie Institute, not long ago, analyzed the records of ten thousand people and concluded that 15% of success is due to technical training. The other 85% is due to personality, and attitudes. You see, what you are is how you react and how you feel. Think about it.
Not everything in life is easy or pleasant, but life is important. Life is being alive. Life is being able to work and build relationships. Life is to enjoy food. Life is to worship God and belong to a good church. Life is educational, no matter how you receive it. Life is to enjoy the seasons. Life is making plans and see the plans come together. Life is living each day to its fullest. Yes, life is what each of us make it. No, everything in life is not easy or pleasant, but life must go on.
You can see life as anything but good or you can see life as an opportunity. We have a choice. However, it still comes back to attitude and how I think. How I see things and how I react. Life will pay you back just what you give out. Life is not fair or equal, no one said it would be.
The real secret to life and a good attitude is to be content in who you are. Does that mean we don't continue to improve or further our education? No, but you are who you are going to be. Materialism or a better job is not the answer. When we are content we enjoy what we have, not what we don't have. Who we are, not who we are not. Where we live not, where we don't live and etc.
Everyday gives each person 24 hours to use as he sees fit. You can waste these hours or be productive. You can be happy or sad. You can fight with others or you can be nice. It's all up to you. This life is about relationships, not things. We are human beings, not machines. Our creator created us for each other so don't waste your life because of a bad attitude.
Today I am going to enjoy, how about you?
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station