Finding Meaning Beyond Work

(7th of a Seven-Part Study of Ecclesiastes)

In our modern world, meeting someone often begins with the question, “What do you do for a living?” For many, this question feels like a measure of identity and worth, emphasizing career over relationships, passions, or personal values. Work has become central to our sense of self, shaped by the belief that fulfillment and purpose can be found in what we achieve professionally.

What Does Solomon Say About Accomplishments?

This mindset is not unique to today’s society. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the toil of life, wrestling with the reality that all he labored to achieve would eventually be left behind. He built houses, planted vineyards, and amassed wealth, all for himself. Yet, as he grew older, he recognized a harsh truth: everything he accomplished would be inherited by someone else—perhaps even a fool, as was the case with his son Rehoboam, who squandered much of Solomon’s legacy.

Solomon’s lament underscores a timeless struggle: the fleeting nature of material achievements. He realized that despite his wisdom and effort, he could not control how his work would be managed after his death. This realization left him despairing, acknowledging the vanity of striving for wealth and accomplishments that ultimately hold no eternal value.

But Ecclesiastes does not end in despair. Solomon arrives at a profound conclusion: true satisfaction is found in acknowledging God as the source of all blessings. He writes, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. Also, I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).

Why Are Mondays So Hard?

This shift in perspective changes everything. Work, food, and daily life take on new meaning when seen as gifts from God. It’s not about abandoning ambition but reframing priorities. Without God, Monday mornings feel like drudgery, and Friday nights lack true joy. With God, even the most mundane tasks can become acts of devotion, filled with purpose and gratitude.

What Provides True Fulfillment?

The lesson is clear: achievements and possessions, while valuable, cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Only a relationship with God offers true meaning. Whether coding, delivering packages, or managing a portfolio, every assignment is an opportunity to glorify God. When we live with this perspective, the joy and satisfaction that eluded Solomon in his early years can become a reality in ours.

Solomon’s wisdom reminds us: the only life that truly satisfies is one rooted in God. Everything else is but a mist, fading away. Let us find our purpose not in what we do, but in the One who gives all things meaning.