“I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1 NLT)
Most of us spend the first half of our lives pursuing fun, entertainment, excitement, success, attention, approval, pleasure, thrills, wealth, fame, success, accomplishment, etc. As we mature, we realize that all these experiences can’t bring us the satisfaction we desire. Thus, we look to a different set of aspirations: stability, safety, peace, love, validation, legacy, wisdom, significance, and purpose. Although these values can lead to a fuller life, they, too, fail to bring complete fulfillment.
“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 2:11 NLT)
We keep chasing meaningless things, only to find nothing worthwhile. Everything in this world is transitory, supplying us with temporary gratification, at most. We are left craving more, continually restless and dissatisfied.
Eternal fulfillment can only come from the Spirit, not from anything this world has to offer. Once we leave behind the trivial pursuits of immaturity, we no longer feel the need to follow superficial cravings. We realize it is a waste of resources. Instead, we use what time and energy we have left to pursue God who created us for one purpose--to commune with Him. An intimate relationship with Christ makes us sensitive and receptive to His Spirit. It leads to a state of overflow. We become like vessels that are filled to the brim--spilling over onto everything around us.
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