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July 20


Priorities

Young Solomon was a guy out for a good time—a real party animal. His father was the king and he followed in his dad’s footsteps, and became king himself. Not bad work if you can get it.

When you are the king, you can do pretty much what you want to do. Solomon decided to live the “good life.” He spent all of his time and energy searching for the ultimate good time. His search for pleasure left him empty.

Next, he turned to the bottle, trying to find relief from his disappointment. He had access to the finest wines and he drank them. He didn’t get any relief and judged his time in the bottle as a foolish way to live.

Solomon got pretty serious after he turned from wine and pleasure seeking. He threw himself into his work. He built huge homes and gardens and worked hard at being king. His kingdom increased and became greater than any other king before him, but his accomplishments didn’t bring him any satisfaction.

Here is Solomon’s thoughts: “So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?” (Eccles. 2:24–25 NLT)

If we are wise, we will learn from “the wisdom of Solomon.” Solomon concluded that it is better to remember God.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” (Eccles. 12:1 KJV)

Should we pursue the “good life” or the “God life?” Solomon’s final conclusion was that we should: “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Eccles. 12:13–14 NLT)

Take a moment to consider the direction of your life. Prayerfully, consider if you are spending your time and energies on the right things.


Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).

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