The Life Well Lived

After describing the lot we’ve received (3:1–8) and the longing we feel (3:9–11), Solomon now shows us how to respond to life's confusion and frustration with three ingredients to a life well-lived.

First, enjoy life (12–13). There will always be much that I can’t understand or control. I can respond with frustration and worry, or I can trust that God has it figured out and enjoy my imperfect life each day as he leads me home. Solomon tells us to enjoy life seven times in Ecclesiastes! The good things we take for granted daily—food and drink, a meaningful task, companions—did not all ‘just happen.’ They are personal gifts from your kind heavenly Father. He wants you to enjoy them! We sometimes assume God doesn’t want us to have fun—that he’d prefer us all to be more serious, intense, and religious. But God wants us to enjoy life a lot more! He’s not the grumpy neighbor trying to stop the party; he’s throwing the party! So what do you enjoy? I like to get up at 4 AM, drink French press coffee, read and write, and then go for a run. I love to eat double-decker oatmeal cream pies and fried catfish. I enjoy trying to make furniture and little gifts for my friends in my wood shop. I love to load up my family to kayak on Indian Creek, ski on the Tennessee River, or ride bikes at Shiloh Park. Do I still have problems and pressures? Of course! And next week, pain may blindside me. But if I am wise, I will refuse to let that keep me from enjoying my life. What do you enjoy? Go do it! Enjoy your life with a thankful heart and humble, childlike trust in your Father.

Second, do good (12). While you are enjoying your life, don’t forget about other people! Don’t just live for yourself. Don't get so busy pursuing your own goals or become so absorbed with your own problems, that you don’t take time to do good to those around you. Be a blessing. Give generously. Be a faithful friend. Speak encouraging words. Find a ministry at church where you can serve and contribute. I go to a lot of funerals, and no one wants to talk about the person’s wealth, possessions, or professional achievements. They want to talk about how the person was good to others. Instead of turned in on yourself and your own problems, Jesus wants to make you gracious, others-oriented, doing good—just like your Heavenly Father. What a way to live! What a breath of fresh air to meet someone like this! What a compelling advertisement for the heart of God!

Third, trust God (14–15). Solomon says, "I’ve learned that I’m not in control, but God is. He is sovereign. Whatever he decrees will be done. I won’t always understand his plan, but I know that it is wise and loving. And as his child through Christ, I know he’s at work for my good. So while I wait, I won’t demand answers; I will worship."

My prayer for us this year is that we will put ourselves in the hands of Jesus and let him make us a people of simple joy. Instead of obsessing over what you don’t have, Jesus can open your eyes to how God has showered you with moment-by-moment good. Instead of brooding over life’s unfairness and unresolved questions, Jesus wants you to trust your Father, watch a sunset, and eat a piece of pie. Instead of picking apart and trying to fix your imperfect spouse, kids, and church, Jesus will help you love them, laugh with them, and give thanks for them. Instead of feverishly chasing that ‘big thing’ you think will finally complete you, Jesus will help you relax as he leads you home to heaven where real completion comes. That’s a life well lived! What are we waiting for?

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Article by Eric Smith
Senior Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church