Choosing FUN

Ecclesiastes 3:1&4 - For everything there is a season…a time to laugh…a time to dance…

Ecclesiastes 8:15 - And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Wait a minute! In Luke 12, Jesus quoted these words from Ecc 8 in a rebuke to those who are greedy, who store up riches, and then take on this mentality. But some understanding is needed. Of Ecc 8:15 Matthew Henry says this: Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun, than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life according to his rank.

Henry clarifies that Solomon is saying that we can eat, drink, and be joyful in God – soberly and thankfully using what He has given us to have fun and balance out the tumultuous days of our life on this earth. But Jesus had to clarify for the New Testament believers that this was not to be misconstrued as license to pursue and hoard riches while turning your back on the Giver of those riches. In Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

We should freely and fully enjoy all of the fun people, events, and things that the Lord allows into our life. These are gifts from our Father! But Jesus put it very plainly, as recorded in both Matthew and Mark, when He asked the rhetorical question, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” So as you flow through this life, and especially when things get tough, press in to God – nurture your relationship with Him. Lean on Him for wisdom and guidance. Serve Him joyfully and revel in the abundant life that He’s given. And don’t forget to have FUN!

My prayer today is that you would enjoy the great things that the Lord has given to you on this earth and (although life gets tough sometimes) choose FUN.