Crossroads Community Church: Integrity and contentment

February 12, 2016 · 0 Comments

Pastor Don opened in prayer, praising God and giving Him the honour and glory for all He has given and sacrificed for us.

He asked God to open our hearts to hear His message with our minds focused only on Him.

Pastor Don requested for our integrity to be absolute as we stand in boldness of our Christian faith against false teaching; that we will walk in life being totally obedient to His word and will.

Today, we are going to continue with our study of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon.

Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:1-21 tells us when we come before the Lord in worship, He must be our focal point. Solomon is indicating there is a right way and a wrong way to worship God. When we enter the house of God, our attitude should already be open and ready to listen to God. Think about someone asking you for advice but really only wanting your approval not your input.

God feels this way when we come to Him pretending to seek His wisdom when we don’t like what His word is saying.

Worship is defined as “an active response to God whereby we declare His worth”. Worship is more than the wonderful music we sing. It is faith in motion, doing what the Lord is leading us to do even if we don’t feel like it.

Worship is not passive, it is something we participate it; not a mood but a response; not a feeling but a proclamation. The objects of our worship are indicated by our priorities; by the time and energy devoted to them. James 4:7-82

For some, Christianity is lip service never affecting our behaviour through the week. Our attitude of worship should be 24/7 not limited to two hours, one day a week. Worshipping Jesus; praising God is a way of life. We have all made promises to God when life became difficult, praying He would intervene and later deciding they weren’t important.

Solomon states in Ecclesiastes 5:4-53 about making vows and warns his readers against foolish promises to God. It is better to promise nothing than to promise and not fulfill. Deuteronomy 23:21-234.

Samson was blessed by God with superior strength, which was connected to his long hair. He vowed to God he would not drink; touch an unclean animal; or cut his hair.

Samson fell in love with an unbelieving Philistine woman; took his vows lightly and broke them all.

She cut Samson’s hair off when he was drunk and Samson not only lost his miraculous strength but God’s favour as well.

We all want God’s blessings and yet balk at His laws. Ecclesiastes 5:6-75 We forget God can become angry. He isn’t heartless but being Holy, God hates sin. Rules are not made to be broken and the 10 commandments are not the 10 suggestions. Verse 7 states, “…talk is cheap, like daydreams.” We need to be sincere.

Hebrews 12:296 states, “For God is a devouring fire.” God has saved us from sin and He will from death if we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. However, everything worthless and sinful will be devoured by the fire of his wrath. All that is good, righteous and dedicated to God will remain. Matthew 5:377

A handshake used to be enough to solidify a promise; with Jesus a simple “yes I will” or “no I won’t” is enough.

Jesus teaches us to not make promises we don’t intend to keep and do our utmost to fulfill ones we make.

We as Christians, must always be honest so our word is our bond; we are trustworthy. Proverbs 9:108a

We are all rich in so many ways however there is only one thing of true value. Add up everything you have money can’t buy and death can’t steal.

Faith in Jesus Christ and eternal life is the only answer.

We can’t take our riches with us. Ecclesiastes 5:158b

Our focus should be on the giver not the gift; the Creator rather than that created. Ecclesiastes 5:19-209 We can be content with what we have when we realize, in God, we have everything we need. Ecclesiastes 6:1-210 Solomon continues his instruction showing that having the right attitude about God can help us cope with present injustices. Prosperity is not always good; adversity is not always bad. God is always good. Ecclesiastes 9:311 Without satisfaction there is no contentment. Contentment comes from living God’s way. Many people work hard on their physical health but make little or no effort on their spiritual health. If you have not made Jesus your Lord and Saviour, ask Him now.

Take steps towards preparing for your eternal life. And if He is already your Saviour be obedient to His will attending church and Bible reading.

Most of us dream about what we don’t have. Ecclesiastes 6:912

Let’s be content as we realize all things are from our Creator. Ecclesiastes 6:10-1213

Our lives have already been decided. God knows and directs everything that happens. He is in complete control.

As C.S. Lewis, the Christian writer observed, “To argue with God is to argue with the very power that makes it possible to argue at all.” Solomon teaches the future is unknown. Only God knows what will come. We need to look up to God not just to the future. John 10:1014

In chapter 7 of Ecclesiastes, Solomon declares his list of paradoxes. Ecclesiastes 7:1-1415 These verses seem to contradict what Solomon previously spoke about enjoying what God has given us. We are to experience joy but realize there is also adversity. Most of our best lessons are learned at the worst of times. See your struggles as a great opportunity to learn from God. God is in control and will take the mess and use it for good. Ecclesiastes 8:116 Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and live accordingly. Ecclesiastes 8:117 Solomon noted however even the wisest person knows very little. No one can fully comprehend God; there will always be more questions than answers.

It is not easy to let God lead us, nevertheless, we need to trust God and allow His Wisdom to rule our lives.

All this is prayed under the authority of Jesus Christ.

Amen.