Thoughts for another day

Mar. 12, 2008

Today's verse: Eccl 5:18. Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God gives us gifts, including the fruit of our labor. Not for us to stack them in some corner or stash them away for another day. It is so, that we will enjoy those gifts and partake in His goodness because He wants all His creatures to enjoy the gifts of His Hand. God made the earth to be hospitable that we not have any problem. He made it very fertile to yield crops in abundance and keep us fed and sustain our lives. Actually if you look at it, only what come from the hand of God are what sustain life, viz. food, water and air. Surprising no? Nothing that man has made or can make has the ability to sustain life!

Unfortunately, we’ve developed the concept of saving. First save - then spend. Before I go further, I must say that I’m not against saving. But, excessive saving for tomorrow while hurting self today! The world harps on this and there are savings products galore including insurance policies in plenty. All set to take complete care of you in the future. The point the Word of God makes is that, you need to live well today with what God sends your way. When you save excessively you do it only when you are unsure of the future. Now, no one knows the future and a believer in God must not be too bothered about it because, God is there to provide for it. That must be our assertion.

I have seen people save and save to lead comfortable lives later. Unfortunately, the comfort never comes because their minds are so conditioned for irrational frugality that even more worry creeps in edging any thought of comfort out. I have seen people strive to save so that a ‘decent’ amount is accumulated for the future. But, what is the ‘decent’ amount? Can anyone specify? I have also seen people having saved and saved and later spend it on hospital bills and medicine and unnecessary things.

God’s Word tells that we must partake of that which He gives us as gifts; as our portion. He made it so that we may lead full lives and thank and praise Him as we move along. Let’s honor Him by doing that.