Who won the Emmy for the best movie in 2010? The Masters Golf Tournament in 2015? The Super Bowl Championship in 1970? The Kentucky Derby in 1950? Unless you’ve been prepping for an appearance on Jeopardy, you would probably have to do some research to find the answers. Although these were dramatic moments at the time, they were quickly forgotten.

In our Scripture today, Solomon is still looking back over his life – realizing that he has experimented with just about every pleasure known to man, and he has also had some remarkable achievements. He seems to be considering that his life has been a test – and a journey to find out what really matters in life.



As you read Solomon’s words below (out loud, if reasonable to do so), think about what you’d like to say to him in response. What stands out to you? How would you like to challenge him? And yourself?

I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possession of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8)

Did you notice that “I” appears ten times and “me” “my” or “myself” appear eleven times? Do you detect a bit of a problem? It sounds a lot like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30)!

Our culture often puts the focus on self: self-improvement, self-care, self-awareness, self-esteem. Some go to great lengths to “find themselves.” Perhaps a healthier way to do life just might be to draw so close to our Lord that we unconsciously live in a state of Christ-awareness – fully aware of what He has done, consistently grateful for the joy of being His, and always realizing that anything good in us or any good we accomplish is because of His touch of mercy and grace on our lives.

By Judy Shrout