“So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.”–Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
The comedian Jay Leno is an avid car buff. For many years he has built up a collection that now numbers nearly 250 cars and motorcycles. Some of them are more than 100 years old, while others are the latest modern technological marvels. He has amphibious cars that can drive into water and motorcycles in every shape and size. The total value of his collection is estimated to be more than $50 million. Yet, not one of those cars will last forever.
Every one of us has one lifetime—and none of us know how long that life will be. No matter how carefully we watch our diet, exercise, and take care of our health, there are no guarantees of tomorrow for any of us. We have one opportunity to accomplish the things God has placed before us. Every day that we spend without doing anything to advance His kingdom is a day without eternal benefit.
There is nothing wrong with working hard and enjoying the fruits of our labor in this life. But ultimately, all the things of earth will be destroyed and vanish. The only things that will remain are the things that are eternal. This places a responsibility on us to use our time and resources to accomplish as much for Christ as we can. God is not opposed to us having nice things, but He wants our focus to remain on what is truly meaningful. No amount of earthly achievement in any field can provide lasting and eternal rewards. –Daily in the Word
