God Gives Life Meaning (October 2, 2023)

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“What gives life meaning?” That question is often asked as we search for fulfillment in this earthly existence.  Our answer reflects what we consider to be most important and determines our life’s pursuits. Our response not only sets the course of our lives in this world but will determine our eternal destiny, either heaven or hell. As we ponder this crucial question, let’s consider the life of Solomon, one of Israel’s greatest kings, whose perspective on life’s meaning changed dramatically during his reign.

Solomon began his rule as a man of faith who depended on God, asking for divine wisdom to guide his people rather than worldly riches. God was so pleased with his request that He gave Solomon both matchless wisdom and wealth.  However, his priorities gradually shifted, resulting in his being led into idolatry. Solomon set out on a journey to find life’s meaning properly focused on God. But, under the influence of his many wives from pagan nations, his focus moved from a godly to a worldly perspective.

Under these evil influences, Solomon’s outlook became cynical as evidenced in the Book of Ecclesiastes written in his sunset years as he looked back on his life. Drifting away from God, Solomon sought meaning in money, possessions, pleasure, and worldly accomplishments. But he found that the pursuit of these hollow values ultimately came up devoid of meaning and purpose. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” (1:2) wrote Solomon, having looked everywhere for life’s meaning only to find worldly answers lacking.

Solomon saw that when put above God and pursued as ends in themselves, worldly endeavors brought no lasting satisfaction. Only the pursuit of God’s will and the accomplishment of His purpose give meaning to life. Solomon ultimately concluded that not one of these worldly matters, on its own, gives substance to life. He discovered that no aspect of life has meaning apart from God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Life is neither vain nor meaningless! God created life and uses it to do His will and magnify His glory. Life’s brevity reminds us not to seek fulfillment in things that are here today and gone tomorrow. Jesus cautioned us to lay up eternal heavenly treasures, not earthly riches that soon pass away. Solomon wrote (Ecclesiastes 3:11) that God “has put eternity” in the human heart. Without this eternal perspective, we will always search for shallow earthly idols or stand-ins for God that ultimately leave us empty.

The way to satisfy our deepest longings is to trust and obey God, make Him our highest priority, and seek to discover and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Jesus advised, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:32-33) Put God first and He will provide.  Only a faith-based relationship with Jesus Christ gives life true meaning and allows Him to use us to accomplish His purposes!