Eccl. 4-6
“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor” (Eccl. 4:4a). This is an interesting statement to me. This speaks to the concept of “keeping up with the Joneses”. It suggests to me that the reason people pursue various skills, work, or achievements is not because they so much enjoy those things, but more because they are seeking their own importance. How many times do people pick college majors based on how much they can make in a certain career path rather than based on what they really enjoy? A few verses later, Solomon speaks of a man who is all alone yet never ceases in his efforts to gain still more riches. Why? Again, seeking self-importance.
People want to be somebody; they want to have something. They want to be the person other people want to be and have the things other people want to have. Attitudes. Motives. In chapter 5, Solomon states for the third time that it is good and fitting for man to enjoy his life and the toil he does in it, for this is his God-given lot in life. And in chapter 6 he goes on to talk about not enjoying or being satisfied with what you have been given in life. Contentment. It seems that contentment lies in the laying down of self-importance, which allows you to pursue what you enjoy and enjoy what you have. Live for God, not for self, and enjoy what He gives you to enjoy.
Acts 9:23-42
It is funny how we humans are so unwilling to believe that people can change. We are actually very untrusting by nature, it seems. I believe fear is one of the things that drives this. I think it is safe to say that fear is the biggest impediment to trust. The disciples in Jerusalem did not want to receive Saul. They were no doubt afraid of him because of all he had done to persecute the Church. And so they did not trust him. Thank God for Barnabas, who was willing to set aside his fear (as had Ananias, whom God used to restore Saul’s sight) and trust that Saul’s conversion story was true. As far as we know, Barnabas had not seen the evidence of Saul’s conversion firsthand. He just knew what he had heard and he chose to believe it. That took trust.
It’s hard to trust people – I get that. People lie, deceive, and distort. And sometimes they mean well, but lack conviction (the “I’ll do better next time”, only they don’t syndrome). But that’s okay, because we don’t have to trust people. All we need to do (she says as if it’s easy…though it should be) is trust God; trust that His Holy Spirit will guide us in recognizing the truth when we see it. Then maybe we can be the ones who step out to give somebody a chance when they really deserve one. To God be the glory.