Ecclesiastes // Chasing MeaningSample

The deist says that God is a hands-off creator. He formed the world and then spun it like a top. Their conclusion is that we now live on this spinning globe as God watches from a distance. In the false belief of deism, God puts man in complete control of God’s creation. This idea is far from the theme of Scripture. Solomon says it this way:

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?

In this passage, Solomon proclaims what the rest of Scripture confirms: God is in complete control of all things. He is omnipotent; all-powerful. This means that whatever God desires to do, he will get it done. If he desires something straight, it will be straight and remain straight. If he wants something crooked, it will be crooked and remain crooked. Of course, God’s desires, decisions, and actions will always be perfect.

Side by side with God’s omnipotence is his sovereignty. Sovereignty is God’s “exercise of power over his creation.”¹ God is hands-on, making the straight, straight, and the crooked, crooked. Now, here’s a bit of mystery. God’s sovereignty is one of his communicable attributes, which means he shares that attribute with us. We are created with an inner sense so we can exercise our wills and make our own choices. One theologian explains that this is a sign of “God-likeness” in our character. And here’s the warning that goes with that communicable attribute:

Of course our desire to exercise our wills and our desire to be free from restraint can show themselves in sinful ways. People can become proud and can desire a kind of freedom that involves rebellion against God’s authority and a refusal to obey his will. Nonetheless, when we use our will and freedom to make choices that are pleasing to God, we reflect his character and bring glory to him.²

So, how does this apply to our work? Our work is a gift from God and can be used in one of two ways. On the one hand, we can use God’s gift of work to become proud, thinking that we are solely in charge and that success has been achieved by our efforts. This leads to pride and a refusal to follow God’s authority. And we all know that pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

On the other hand, we can thank God for the gift of work and follow his lead. When we make choices in our work that please God, then we reflect his character and bring honor to him. The gift of work allows us to set vision, determine mission, and move forward with God’s guiding values. Work is a great gift that he has given us to honor him.

Father, help us understand that our desire to make our own choices is a gift from you. Form our hearts so that our desire is to always honor you in all we do. Help our work reflect your work in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.