Lesson Two: No Satisfaction?

Please read Ecclesiastes 2

Have you ever noticed the purpose of a fishing lure or hampster wheel?  While the fish has the illusion of catching something in the lure, the hamster has the illusion of getting somewhere on the hampster wheel.  They both live in a world of deception.  I would argue we can all fall into that trap.  We are trying to get something and go somewhere that we think will make us happier, richer, wiser, or popular.  Solomon called this "Chasing after the wind."

As we continue this week, we will delve deeper into Solomon's life and his quest for meaning.  Solomon was blessed with a great mind.  History tells us he wrote 3,000 proverbs and 105 songs.  Solomon had the means to build a memorable kingdom.  He had a staff of 200,000 men. Solomon also had the money to accomplish all that was in his heart to do.  2 Chronicles 8:4-6 tells us he had storehouses for all his wealth.  He amassed $25 million per in year in tolls.  Over the 14 year span he spent an estimated $4 billion in buildings.  It is also estimated that his annual income was $150 million.  With these resources, Solomon sets out to find what makes man truly happy.    

Point One: Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 Solomon tries to find meaning and pleasure in entertainment

Solomon put forth money and time into seeking entertainment.  Today, we are no different.  The entertainment industry is big business in this country.  We all have favorite shows, movies, bands, and magazines.  While Proverbs 17:22 declares a cheerful heart is good medicine, it also declares a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Too often our favorite programs exploit people for our laughs and entertainment.  We are entertained at the expense of their dignity.  Rarely our programs are absent from this perversity.   

Study Questions

1. What in your entertainment is causing a laugh at someone else's expense?

2. Discuss with the group some examples of boundaries that you set for your family with your entertainment habits that you can share.

Point Two: Ecclesiastes 2:3 Solomon tries to find meaning and pleasure in food and wine

Sadly, every 32 minutes a member of someone's family dies of alcoholic related car accidents.  In addition we also see the obesity rate in the U.S. rise year after year.  That is among adults and children.  For three months I had to go on an extreme diet to lower my cholesterol.  Oddly, my challenge came in social settings.  Eating and drinking is a big part of social gatherings.  It was a very isolating feeling not being able to participate like everyone else.  

Study Questions:

1. Does alcohol and food become a distraction for healthy living for you?  If so, how?  If not, why?

2. Discuss with the group how you keep the enjoyment of food and wine in its proper place.

Point Three: Ecclesiastes 2:4 Solomon tries to find meaning in success

In the above passage you notice Solomon uses the words, "I" and "my" quite frequently.  While Solomon has the resources to do all that he sets out to accomplish, there is a sense that he has tremendous focus and pride in his projects.  It is tempting to look at what we do on a daily basis whether it is staying at home with the children and making the home perfect, or building a business, or keeping on track for that big promotion at work, and lose sight of whose glory this life is for.  

Study Questions

1. What is your most important God given task?

2. Discuss with the group how you keep focused on God's glory in your important task.

While Solomon had the mind, the means, and the money to find his pleasure, he ultimately came up short upon his examination.  It is my prayer that this study will cause us to test our hearts not to insight any guilt.  While Christ came so we can live life and live it abundantly, we often miss opportunities to see when our enjoyment may be a distraction while we serve our Lord.  Have an excellent week!