Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 2:11
11 Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.
NASU


Thoughts:

This reminds me of my own path to the cross.  Like Solomon, I too found that no matter how successful I was in worldly terms, it left me empty.  There was a momentary swelling of pride followed by a pervasive emptiness and longing for something more.  Clearly, "success" is not what we were made for!

Even as a Christian though, I've found it is easy to get back on this treadmill, chasing after worldly prizes.  School, career, hobbies, even ministry provides ample opportunities for us to compete and try to win some fading treasure.  But again, invariably we will find ourselves only rediscovering what Solomon did thousands of years ago.  This is not to say that a Christian should never be successful in this life, but the issue is where is our heart, where are we focused, what is the driving force in our lives?  If it is anything but to live for Christ, it will leave us empty and maybe even lead us astray from Him.


Prayer:

Lord, Your word is so true to life.  Help me to pour my exertion into living for You.  May I be a success in Your eyes.

Amen