Living Life with the Right Focus: Finding Purpose in God

Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Maybe you’ve made choices that seemed brilliant at the time but left you feeling empty. If you’re like me, you’ve had moments where you look back and think, “If only I could reverse the clock.” But what if we could live life in reverse, armed with the wisdom we’ve gained through faith in God? This is the journey we’re embarking on as we explore the book of Ecclesiastes, seeking to live intentionally and leave a legacy that honors God.

The main point of our sermon series is this: Our earthly purpose is to advance God's eternal purpose. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, learned this the hard way. Despite his wisdom, wealth, and accomplishments, he found life empty without God. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer us a chance to learn from his mistakes and focus on what truly matters.

Solomon’s life teaches us that chasing after material possessions and accomplishments without God leads to emptiness. He had it all—wealth, wisdom, and fame—yet he declared it all meaningless. In our pursuit of success, we often forget that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God’s purpose. As Solomon observed, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Our lives are but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things, and without God, they lack true meaning.

Despite his great wisdom, Solomon realized that human knowledge alone cannot provide ultimate satisfaction. He discovered that the pursuit of wisdom for its own sake leads to frustration. God’s wisdom, however, surpasses all human understanding and provides life’s true meaning. In Jesus, we find wisdom that guides us beyond our limited perspective, offering us a purpose that transcends this world.

Solomon indulged in every pleasure and accomplishment imaginable, yet he found himself unsatisfied. He learned that pleasure and achievements are fleeting and cannot fill the void in our hearts. Only a relationship with Jesus can provide the joy and purpose we seek. Jesus invites us to find our deepest satisfaction in Him, pursuing His kingdom and living for something greater than ourselves.

Solomon’s regrets remind us that our work and purpose must be rooted in God. Despite his grand projects and universal reputation, he found life distressing and empty. As Christians, we are called to live with eternity in mind, aligning our daily actions with God’s will. Every task, no matter how mundane, can be an act of worship when done for the Lord.

As we journey through Ecclesiastes, consider this: What would it look like to live your life in reverse, focusing on God’s eternal purpose? How can you align your daily actions with His will? Remember, our earthly purpose is to advance God’s eternal purpose. Without Him, we are merely chasing the wind.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help us to live our lives with the right focus, seeking Your purpose above all else. Guide us to find true fulfillment in You, and may our actions reflect Your eternal purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.