Enjoy the Gifts God Gives
Pursuing the created order as god will leave us unsatisfied. Enjoying God’s gifts will give us a full life.
Two people can have the same net worth, similar house and cars, almost the same success.
But have vastly different lives.
The one who chases the money, possessions, wealth and status will never be able to rest.
The one who Hears & Follows Jesus first, before anything else will be able to rest.
'Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every person to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also given him the opportunity to enjoy them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often call to mind the years of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.'
God created the world for us to enjoy. But the created order can never be god. When we pursue the created order as god, we will never be satisfied.
He wants us to enjoy these 4 aspects of his created order:
Possessions. The stuff we have.
Wealth. Our net worth.
Accepting our place in life. Resting in where God put us.
Enjoy our work.
No matter how much stuff or money we have in life, we can enjoy the place and the work God has given to us.
My natural disposition is to desire more. I struggle in this area. Unchecked, I’ll be the one who wears myself out because I continue to chase.
But to be the one who enjoys what God gives, is the one who gets off of work full. They can be tired, but they’re full. They still have Life in them. Their family will be a source of joy. The food they eat is a delight. There is laughter.
Yes. This is an idealistic picture. There will be ups and downs. Some days will be so tiring, dinner is a struggle. But even in the struggle, there is joy.
As a minister taking the church into the next few decades, people need to see a satisfied life. One who finds joy in everything God has given to them. Not people who pursue things as god. This will be an attractive witness to the world around you.