In our new study in the book of Ecclesiastes we are viewing Solomon's advice and instruction for living in a world that seems to be rather topsy tervy. The point of this being that often the evil prosper while the righteous languish, and added to that the event that Solomon experienced in the great achievements that he attained as being in themselves very unsatisfying.
Not only is it a matter of these achievements being unsatisfying but also that they are meaningless in the broader perspective of our eternal lives. The issue in this latter case seemingly is that eternity will in some measure reflect our activity in time. The popular quote by missionary Nate Saint would reflect this same idea, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose." It is imperative in this context to understand what our place and purpose is as the children of God in this world. To put it in some simple and terse language, life today just isn't about now!
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
I just find this fascinating: enjoy life and at the same time prepare for and contemplate eternity. These are harmonious functions.
