In the word of Greek philosopher, Epictetus “No man is truly free until he masters himself” Why is it that we find it tough to do just a simple task? The more we try with our own effort we fail miserably. Even though we achieve worldly standard success, we savor the accolades from men for a fleeting moment, like the morning dew! But will they ever remember us after this? No because new records would have been broken and achievements of different kinds would be ushered in! There is no permanence in worldly success. Solomon discovers this in this verse:
Ecclesiastes 4:8 “ There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless–a miserable business!”
Yes, it can be mundane if we strive to make meaning and establish ourselves in this world. Solomon, being the wisest, richest and surrounded by concubines and many gods around, did not find the meaning of life. Why then are we in this state? Simply put, we are created in God’s image and as fallen creatures, we have to find our way back to Him through only one way – believe we have all been wired to find God. However, in this world of ours, Adam has sold his rights to Satan when he fell into temptations of him through Eve. God said eat everything except the fruits from the tree of life for you will surely die if you do that. We did just that!
So, there’s a pull of two different directions, God’s way or World’s way! In God’s way, we can have eternal success because we are answering to our destiny to fulfill our will that we are birth with. In world’s way, we worship and acquire material things – Jesus tempted by Satan during his 40 days in the wilderness! Matthew 4:8-9 “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” KJV.
