Devotion for Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 Whistle While You Work Read Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain, since they toil for the wind? Ecclesiastes 5:16 In the 1937 Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, a beautiful girl finds a cabin in the woods inhabited by seven short laborers. Trying to be useful as she hides from the wicked queen, Snow White tidies their cabin. While she sweeps, she sings a merry tune called “Whistle While You Work”: “When hearts are high, the time will fly, so whistle while you work.” Up until this point, Ecclesiastes paints a pessimistic view of life’s existence. Solomon described the oppression of the wealthy upon the laborers. At the same time, he observed that the wealthy are not immune to trouble or worry. What is the point of our work? Why labor if it is worth nothing in the end? The author observes that no one can take possessions to the grave. We come into this world with nothing, and we will leave in the same way. Working only to amass material possessions is like toiling for the wind. Just like the picture of “chasing the wind,” working for the wind would be pointless, lacking direction or completion. Then the passage contrasts the pointlessness of life with what is good. While our time on this earth is short, God has meant us to find some measure of satisfaction in the things of this world. We are to enjoy the results of hard work, both our money and the things that can be bought. We are also to live with an attitude of contentment, whether rich or poor. We are to be “happy” in our work (v. 19). This foreshadows Colossians 3:17: whatever we do is to be done with “gratitude in our hearts.” What we do and who we are—these are gifts from God. Ultimately it is God, not our work, who makes our heart glad. Apply the Word What do you do for work? Some of us go to work each day in an office, others as students, still others work in the home. Whatever we are given to do, it is a gift of God. We are to take each day as a gift and to do our work with a cheerful heart. Perhaps today you can whistle while you work and thank God for His graciousness in your life. Pray with Us As we pray for the rest of the Facilities Maintenance team today, please add Troy Billow, Edgardo Bartolome, Thomas Addison, and John Addison to your prayer list. Ask that they would receive strength and God’s guidance in their day-to-day responsibilities. Search the Bible For:Go
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 04:30:13 +0000
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