STUDYING FUN UNDER THE SUN

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men (people).  Ecclesiastes 6:1

At one point in history, Howard Hughes was the richest man in the United States. He appeared on the front cover of “Time” magazine in 1948 with a picture of Hercules in the background. He had everything money could buy, and nothing money couldn’t buy – such as companionship, love, and peace of heart. He ended his life in darkness and obscurity. He ended up saying, “I’m a miserable man.” Why don’t we believe these people? Instead, we continue to pursue money above all else. For believers, we really need to take to heart 1 Timothy 6:9-10. Memorize those verses.

King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 6:2 that such a life is “vanity and a sickening evil.” He should know! In essence, he says, “Prosperity is not always good.” Read the rest of chapter 6. Notice verse 3, “but his soul is not satisfied with good things.” Also, verse 6, “and does not see good things.” Remember chapter 5, and verses 18-20? If you are not enjoying the good things that God has given to you, then something is amiss. Verse 12 reminds us of James 4:13-15. Read those verses for comparison.

In order to profit from studying fun under the sun, each believer needs to keep in mind that God orchestrates the events of life for our sanctification; that is, that we will grow spiritually and become more like Jesus. He controls the circumstances of life and positions us for spiritual growth, not necessarily for material prosperity. Do you remember the inerrant, historical account of Joseph? His brothers meant it for evil, but God orchestrated it for good and for His glory. He’s doing that in your life also. Are you seeing it and taking it to heart?

Ike Graham