~Ten Proven Ways to
Fail at Finding Happiness~
These are lessons learned
from the richest and wisest man who ever walked the face of the earth -
Solomon.
(Eccl 2:3 NIV)
"I tried cheering myself
with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I
wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the
few days of their lives."
#
1. Drinking
"cheering myself with wine"(Ecc. 2:3 )
Although drinking itself is not a sin, it will not lead to happiness.
The scriptures specifically
tell us not to be drunk with wine , but also tells us it's okay to
take a little wine for the stomach's sake (1 Tim 5:23). Whenever alcohol
is taken as replacement for what God provides, it becomes a sin.
(Eph 5:18 NIV) "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to
debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
#2. Only
fun stuff "embracing folly"(Ecc. 2:3)
Toys will not bring happiness - no matter how big, expensive or how many
!
We are told in the scriptures
to not lay up treasures for our selves on earth, but to lay up treasures
in heaven. (Matt 6:19-20) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do
not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
#3. A big house
"built houses"
(Ecc 2:4-6)
If you are not happy in the house you are in now, no matter how small,
you won't be happy in a bigger one. (Prov 24:3 NIV) By wisdom
a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
#4. Public works
projects. "gardens
and parks" (Ecc 2:5)
No matter how many committees we get on or how many projects we complete
for the community, they will not bring happiness. If the work we
do is not chosen by God for us, then it has no part of lasting happiness.(John
15:16 NIV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you
to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you
whatever you ask in my name.
#5. Business
expansion. "bought
male and female slaves." (Ecc. 2:7-8)
We can have many employess working for us, or under our authority, but
that will not bring happiness. In fact, that comes with trials all
its own!
#6. Investments.
"Owned more herds and flocks" (Ecc.2:7-8).
Although setting aside for the future is good, expecting what we put aside
to bring our happiness, will only dissappoint us.
#7. Money.
"Amassed silver
and gold" (Ecc. 2:7-8).
He had more money than any one on earth will ever have, and at the end
of his life realized that he had still not found happiness.
(Heb 13:5 NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you
have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager
for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
griefs.
#8. Fine arts programs.
"Acquired men
and women singers and a harem" (Ecc. 2:7-8) . We can become very
cultured and attend the finest operas or Broadway play, or see and even
purchase valuable painting...but the happiness found in them is quickly
fleeting.
#9. Women
(or men, for you women).
"wives and concubines" (Ecc 2:7-8).
Happiness will never be found in another human being-- even if there is
sexual satisfaction and companionship. Loneliness is possible even
in a crowd (Solomon had over 1000 wives and concubines).
#10. Fame.
"became greater by far than anyone" (Ecc 2:9).
Looking for the attention of the masses will bring only that- attention.
It will never bring true happiness. Solomon was known by everyone,
yet was a very miserable man.
Solomon looks back on
his life and gives us words of wisdom, after having all
the things the world tells
us are the key to happiness.
He now knows where
happiness can be found.
(Eccl 9:10 NIV)
Whatever your hand
finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are
going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
(Eccl 9:9 NIV)
Enjoy life with your
wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has
given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot
in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
(Eccl 12:13 NIV)
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
|
