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Ecclesiastes 4 (ESV)
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
REFLECTION:
Some people are lazy, while others are workaholics. Laziness is certainly not pleasing to God, but workaholic is often driven by jealousy and greed, hoping to outstand, and it is not pleasing to God either. Solomon taught us that the correct attitude to work should be diligent but restrained. At the same time, we should also use time to enjoy God’s blessings, and recognize that it is God who gives work and blessings, not ourselves. Solomon also pointed out that there are many benefits to working with others. The life that God arranges is to live in company, not to be isolated from others; to establish an intimate relationship with others, not to live alone. Some people are so proud and stubborn that they would rather work alone than trust anyone. However, we live in this world, not to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate yourself and do everything alone. It is best to seek cooperation and teamwork. Are you very busy right now? Are you walking alone now? Please stop and think about Solomon’s teachings in this chapter, and examine the motive of your busyness, and correct your direction and pace in life in time.
PRAYER:
Regardless of whether your current state is too lazy or too busy, ask God to give you a balanced and healthy work and life. Ask God to examine your inner motives, so that you can see whether everything you do is to glorify God or to glorify yourself. Ask God to give you a humble and gentle heart, so that you can actively participate in church ministries, and work with brothers and sisters to build the house of God and extend His Kingdom.
HYMN:
Be Thou My Vision – https://youtu.be/Optrm7lF16s
