Frustration or Fulfilment? choose Now! | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Frustration or Fulfilment? choose Now! | Previous Challenge Entry
By percy wesley
01/22/15
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Frustration or Fulfilment? Choose Now!
“Meaningless, meaningless”, (Ecc: 1:2) lamented the richest and the wisest ruler ever in the world, the great King Solomon. Recounting his past, King Solomon said, “Life is a mere chasing after the wind, (Ecc: 1:14b) pleasures are meaningless, toils are futile, wisdom is vain, riches are meaningless….....”Sadly, that’s the frustration and end note of this great king who indulged immensely in the pleasures and riches of this world. After enjoying all the pleasures, the king died as a thirsty soul longing for fulfilment. Nevertheless, a life invested on earthly pursuits leads to utter disappointment whereas a life invested for the blessing of others gives a lot of fulfilment and peace. These words come to us today as a wakeup call to alert us about the aftermath of the overindulgent lifestyles that is very commonly prevalent now because of the increasing income status and abundance of possession.
The Scripture warns us in 1 Cor: 6:10- … nor the greedy, nor drunkards,……, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. How unfortunate it is to lose the great kingdom for the sake of momentary pleasures that leaves us all the more frustrated like desperate souls. Also, Paul writes with tears in Phil: 3: 18b, 19 “…..many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” Yes, the wisest king’s fame concluded as a history of shame and disgrace.
Here’s another episode from the scriptures on how God punished an overindulgent city. Ezekiel 16:49, 50, reads thus, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore, I did away with them as you have seen.” Sodomites were self indulgent, overfed and unconcerned about the needs of the others. They hardened their hearts to the cries of the desperate ones. They were extremely busy eating and drinking lavishly when the wrath of God poured upon them as coals of fire and ruined the city into heaps of ashes. The city was burnt from end to end. No bones were left un-charred, no possession was left behind. Isn’t this warning enough for us?
God expects us to use our resources for the benefit of others. He has blessed us to be a blessing and not for overindulgence. Sodom was a prosperous land which looked like God’s garden. Its rich heritage was misappropriated for self indulgence and over consumption.
On the other hand, there was a young man named Daniel, of noble birth and royal decree of the Israelites who was taken captive to Babylon to serve in the King’s palace. Daniel was one among the few privileged ones who can feast from the king’s table. Yet, this young man resolved in his heart that he will not defile himself with royal food and wine. Rather, he chose a simple meal alternative in order to please God. Daniel found favour in the eyes of God and men. God honoured Daniel’s decision. In every matter of wisdom and understanding, Daniel was ten times better than all the others. Will you dare to be different just like Daniel?
Overindulgence is a serious offence before God. Are you looking for a way out of your overindulgent lifestyles? Then, listen to the frustrated king who finally concludes, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment…”Ecc : 12: 13,14a. The only way out is to turn your focus on God. The holy blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ will wash you clean of all sins. Jesus Christ can give you a brand new start. Just believe in the redeeming and transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Generation may come and go…… but don’t forget that one day you will leave behind a message to be told for the generations to come. Will it alarm a warning message like Solomon or will it be an inspiration like Daniel? Moreover, on the judgement day, we will not be judged by what we possess. We will be judged by, "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” Are you ready for that great day?

This article is a devotional (non-fiction)

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