Materialism Does Not Bring Contentment Or WE'D Be Regarded As The Most Content Generation Ever
These thoughts are based on a recently available reading of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and at Chapter 5 and verses 8 to 20, we learn that government originates from God. We should value government remembering that we are commanded to pray for all those in authority. The Bible is a most revolutionary book and can shake and challenge many modern presuppositions.
Jesus Christ always respected government as did those apostles in the first Church, although there have been occasions when those in authority were challenged.
Do not be overly astonished by what governments do - nor become bitter by their decisions. We need government. This can be a gift of God, and around our world today, we see what goes on if you find no government, and in particular when there is no good government.
Bureaucracy is not new either. Sometimes people discover the red tape becomes too thick and it is almost impossible to cut through it, but we are called to be realistic rather than idealistic.
Idealism nurtures discontent.
In verse 10 we learn another crucial lesson. The pursuit of things can cause discontent too.
Accumulating finance is not the answer either.
I recall saying some years ago when the Lottery premiered in the United Kingdom that it could ruin a life weekly, and I've not greatly miscalculated.
Materialism will not bring contentment, or we'd have become the most content generation ever.
The love of money is a root of evil.
Things increase your appetite, however, not your satisfaction. The values of the planet are so lop-sided. The more you have the more you want. Now that will not apply to water.
It is quite amazing that such a rich man says all this, but many have to hear it. Solomon was a most rich and wealthy man in so many ways.
Having a romance with money will never satisfy. "If only I became really rich, then I could handle this and deal with anything!" That's not true, but just how many believe it?
They are strong words. Riches and wealth can produce parasites - hangers on - individuals who show friendship for all your wrong reasons - for what they can get.
Occupational Therapy then appears - the importance of work. Click here for more have an Occupational Therapy department.
Translate that in modern relevant words and call it, "work healing"! A man just has to be unemployed for a season to learn how vitally important and therapeutic work can be.