Is it worth it?

To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increases his riches, increases his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble finds it not. (Akhenaton)

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” 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 2:1, 10-11)

Solomon begins by giving us a litany of 'things' he had tried in order to find 'happiness' or 'meaning' in life. Wine, good times, massive treasures, huge homes, grand parkways, herds and flocks - nothing measured up. All was 'so meaningless' and did not fulfill his dreams or wishes. It was like chasing the wind. The greatest 'pleasure' in life is not found in anything this world offers. It is found in serving Jesus - in welcoming him into your life, giving him your heart, will, hands and feet!

So many today lean toward the 'get ahead' mentality. They seek 'more' and do almost anything to get it. There is such a sense of discontent in the souls of so many, it is hard to watch the fruitless and endless pursuit of what they will never find in this world's offerings. Political power, envy of our neighbors, and even the determination to 'stand alone' instead of engaging within society - all proved meaningless. Chapter 7:28 says it very well, "God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.”

We can choose to follow the ways or advice of this world's counselors, or we can turn to the Word of God, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit who resides within, and the tender direction God gives in the wee hours of the night. The choice seems simple to me, but to so many, it is a hard choice to make because they 'fear' they will 'give up' so much by turning to Christ. I can say without a doubt - there is nothing I have 'given up' in following Jesus that was really all that worthwhile hanging onto! Just sayin!