“For when am I toiling,” he asked, “And why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 4:8)

The book of Ecclesiastes tells the story of a man who is lonely and alone.  He has no children or siblings, he works constantly and makes a lot of money, but is not happy and is not fulfilled by his wealth.

Let us bring it forward to our days… If that man were to live today, yes, he would have a nice house, a fancy car, prestigious job or career. He would be that man who works very late Christmas Eve and checks his e-mail or e-portfolio for his stocks from his cellular phone, even during dinner.  The bible depicts this man as a miserable man; his problem is being sad and lonely.  In our world today, he should be happy; like the saying goes; “The harder he works, the more money he makes and that makes him successful.”

But is that truly what it means to succeed?

What is he motivated by?… FEAR??

Maybe the loss of his status, recognition; maybe stability means more than the relationships that he never learned to manage.  Yes, he is storing up his riches so that he can enjoy them later, but I see that there may never be a later.  Maybe this man is overcompensating because he grew up without money.  Whatever his motivation is, his life is out of balance.  Finding contentment is difficult but Paul discovered the key.

Paul wrote a letter to the church at Philippi and it said:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV)

If your life is going so fast you’ve lost sight of the things you once valued, like family, friends, time with God; if your week blends in with another week and you are thinking where does the time go?  Stop…. Take a step back from your life and ask yourself,
What am I working for?

Ask God to show you what His will for your life is and when you find out… Start doing His will and you will see your life will be more impactful because you know what your objective, your aim, and your purpose in life truly is.

In His Love,
<>< Mark E. Arroyo <><