Bible Passage: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
Yes, the title is a Star Wars reference, and no, I’m not a huge fan, but some lines just stick.
The little green character, who in a funny way speaks, wields the sharp edge of wisdom when Luke is exhausted, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up.
Luke agrees to attempt his struggling training again with, “I’ll try.” The beleaguered would-be hero’s resignation prompted his mentor’s critique.
Yoda’s memorable line is not a revelation of new wisdom. It is a reminder that we must give our best while we can. Days are short, as we are often reminded—not simply because there are a scant 24 hours in each, but because we do not know how many of them we are allotted between our first and last breaths.
The Teacher reminds us that because a man’s days will reach their prescribed end, we should seize the opportunities we are offered with diligence and passion.
Men who follow Jesus are called to work, lead, and serve in light of the brevity of our existence.
We are to give our best efforts to our tasks, whether they be for our employers, our churches, or our homes.
We work with focus to meet deadlines and quality standards, using the talents we already have and developing skills for future use.
We lead our teams and families with discipline and compassion so that they can succeed and move forward; we search for ways to advance their own good and development.
We serve with generosity and humility, knowing that the time may not come again to value others.
Each day dawns with challenges and occasions unique to that sun’s orbit. God has not only gifted us our days but also offers us the opportunities we encounter within them.
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes calls men to put our full effort into what God has placed in our hands on any given day. To live intentionally, avoid complacency, and to honour God and others by using our strengths in all our pursuits.
Our work will be most satisfying when it reflects the best we can do.
Prayer: Author of my days, both in time and in content, thank You for the gift that they are. Forgive me for taking any second of the life You have given me for granted. I know that I am promised no next moment, and it is only in Your grace that I have the times I do. Help me live the life You have given me to the best of my ability, not content with half-efforts and adequate solutions. Amen.
Reflection: Is there a space in your life where you are “mailing it in”? Are you working, serving, or leading in a focused and deliberate manner? Are you husbanding, fathering, friending in ways that take advantage of the opportunities that come your way? Does anything need to change?
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