GOD'S MEASURE FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING

 

  

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? With the help of a bottle of wine and all the wisdom I could muster, I tried my level best to penetrate the absurdity of life. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do during the years we spend on this earth. Oh, I did great things: built houses, planted vineyards, designed gardens and parks and planted a variety of fruit trees in them, made pools of water to irrigate the groves of trees. I bought slaves, male and female, who had children, giving me even more slaves; then I acquired large herds and flocks, larger than any before me in Jerusalem. I piled up silver and gold, loot from kings and kingdoms. I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song, and—most exquisite of all pleasures— voluptuous maidens for my bed. Oh, how I prospered! I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust. What’s more, I kept a clear head through it all. Everything I wanted I took—I never said no to myself. I gave in to every impulse, held back nothing. I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task—my reward to myself for a hard day’s work! Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. " Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 Mssg Bible

   Most modern preachers promote a theology that says a persons success in the eyes of God and man is measured by how much wealth and fame a person has garnered .

    The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes gives us a description of his achievements ,he was an epitome of human achievement and fame but non of it could guarantee lasting peace and joy. He concluded by saying that the quest for success ends in nothing .It was smoke. This is the reason behind suicide among the rich and famous . They are overwhelmed with the vanity of human achievements. 

     Preachers who teach that wealth is a measure of God's favour are trouble makers and agents of instability in the society . The bible says " These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." 1 Timothy 6:5‭-‬6 NLT

   A family's true wealth is measured by the degree of happiness present in the absence of worldly possessions , the scripture says  " After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction."1 Timothy 6:7‭-‬9 NLT

    The born again christian is rich by reason of the presence of the Holy Spirit in hearts (Ephesians 1:3, Proverbs10:22), we are complete in him (Colosians 2:10) and the scriptures teaches that we should avoid  preachers who teach otherwise ".....a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT Bible  This is a preventive measure against inferiority complex , depression and backsliding.

Prayer :Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and grace for steady progress in Jesus name.

+2348035536911, + 2348098536911 email; michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com