What Doesn't and Does Matter

With so many things competing for our time and attention, it can be tough to figure out what doesn't matter and what does matter as we live on earth and strive to please our God. King Solomon, who was world-renowned for his wisdom, comments repeatedly on this great struggle throughout his recorded words in Ecclesiastes. In reading that great book, there are two key things we find out which don't matter and two key things that do. Understanding this will help us in our attempts to be more faithful servants of our most high God.

Our work doesn't matter!

Of course, the context of this statement must be understood. Working to save the lost and serve God always matters. Solomon, however, says that earthly employment must be kept in perspective: "What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:3). The answer which he gives in subsequent verses should not surprise us. Work is important but when our lives are all said and done, our earthly employment and accumulation of stuff won't matter all that much.

Our fun doesn't matter!

There is nothing wrong with recreation. There is nothing wrong with laughing, smiling, and having a good time. In fact, if one does not take time to have a little fun, that person will not be as healthy and as balanced as he needs to be. That being said, though, Solomon says that fun isn't everything: "therefore enjoy pleasure; but surely, this also was vanity" (Ecclesiastes 2:1). Solomon continues by asking of laughter and mirth, "What does it accomplish? (Ecclesiastes 2:2). As we sometimes say, life isn't always fun and games. We might also hear someone described as never having "grown up." As Christians, we have to grow up and realize the great responsibilities we have to serve God and to serve each other.

Our patience does matter!

As hard as it is, remaining calm and patient is vital to winning the race which the Bible repeatedly references in God's word. Solomon said that, "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong" (Ecclesiastes 9:11). There will be many occasions in our Christian lives wherein we can grow discouraged, but we must remember these key words from Solomon who reminds us to stick with it and to never give up. More than wealth and possessions, the wise man tells us to master patience first!

Our fear of God does matter!

At the end of this powerful book of advice and observations, Solomon tells us what life is really all about. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Of all the important things Solomon did and given all that he accomplished in an earthly sense, the son of David concludes that what matters more than anything else is our service to God.

As difficult as it is, let us resolve ourselves to put all of this advice into action as we commit ourselves to continual, faithful, diligent service to the God of creation during this new week.