Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Life can become complicated and
cluttered. The rushing here and there,
this appointment, that meeting, activities centered around kids, friends, work
and self can take a heavy toll. If your
life seems cluttered, see what you may learn from the life of Solomon when his
life became empty from clutter.
I. Characteristics of the Cluttered Life
A. Busyness - 2:4
When our activity
results in neglected relationships with our spouse, family, friends, and
God, it is wrong.
B. Dissatisfaction - 2:7-9
C. Addiction - 2:10
·
When gaining leads to greed, we are out of control.
·
When work leads to workaholic, we are out of control.
·
When pleasure leads to addiction, we are out of control.
·
When motion replaces purpose, we are out of control.
D. Dissipation - 2:17
E. Debt - Isaiah 55:2
II.
Consequences of the Cluttered Life Ecc.
2:11
meaninglessness - vanity,
emptiness, unsatisfactory, worthless
The cluttered
life focuses on the stuff of life not the meaning of life.
There is no meaning
without purpose and there is no lasting purpose without God.
III.
Causes of the Cluttered Life
A. Selfishness - “I, me, myself”
The cause behind
the cluttered life is an empty heart.
B. Godlessness – v.4 – “my mind”
"The
cluttered life leaves no room for God."
"Unfulfilled"
is the key descriptive word for people in our world today.
C. Disorganization - Failure to establish
priorities (and boundaries)
IV.
Cure for the Cluttered Life
A. Planned Solitude
B. Proper Stewardship
C. Selfless Service
