Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Poverty of Power

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. 14 Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. 15 But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. 16 Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.



The preacher has arrived at the top and he sadly discovers the view isn't as good as he hoped it would be. Power, prestige, and position are poor goals for life. These three delicacies are the desire of many, but once the meal is consumed, the person is left hungry, unsatisfied, and longing for more. Basing our lives on the where we stand in relationship to others is a sure recipe for failure. An alternative and better plan is to seek God's approval. His love never changes.

No comments: