Title: Faith that pleases God
Ecclesiastes (7) Faith that pleases God (Ecclesiastes 2:22-26)
<Life that pleases God>
Often, when people become enemies, they hate even the enemies' companions unconditionally. So prejudices arise, and regions and classes are divided. But don't criticize. It is not the will of God to prejudice and reject everyone. Not all North Korean compatriots are rednecks. They point guns at each other because of the different systems, but don't think of suing North Koreans for starvation. They are pitiful people who live inhumane lives under the wrong regime.
We hate all Japanese people unconditionally and think of them as our enemies, but there are a lot of people who understand us, and there were good people like Schindler among German citizens during the Second World War. Not everyone who is with an enemy like that is an enemy. Among them are many good friend candidates. Don't underestimate. Wisdom is needed to distinguish between people and things. Let go of the black-and-white idea that if you are not on my side, you are unconditional.
Solomon says: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not rejoice in your heart when he falls” (Proverbs 24:17). Why should we not rejoice when our enemies fall? Because we too were once enemies of the Lord, but the Lord laid down his life for us. When dealing with our enemies, treat us as the Lord forgives us. Having that perspective and attitude is the watershed that makes you great.
Paul says: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). As you go through life, you may come across people who make it difficult for you. Then bless them. That is a life that prepares for the true blessings that please God. In that way, realize what kind of life God is pleased with and pursue it. The source of all joy and blessings is nothing in the world, but only God.
< Faith that pleases God >
It is in vain and no pleasure to grieve and toil all your life to get what you will never have (verses 22-23). True joy does not come from the fruit of toil, but from God (v. 24). God only allows sinners to gather and build up, and to those who please God, He allows them to finally obtain what they have gathered (verses 25-26). Ultimately, the ultimate joy and victory are given to those who please God. Faith must also be a faith that pleases God. What is the faith that pleases God?
First, it is the faith that gives up on oneself. Be willing to accept your shame for the glory of God. When Jesus appeared, John the Baptist sent his disciple to the Lord, saying, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” How wonderful is the scene of giving up one's vested interests for the sake of doing something that pleases God? The great faith is to say, “Not my will, but your will!”
Second, it is a belief that does not compare. Don't compare yourself to others and complain. If the grandmother always complains when she sees a rose, it will not become a rose and she only likes misfortune. God made roses, roses, and flowers in the cemetery. Comparing yourself to others is to reject the providence of God. God is pleased with the faith of accepting one's present self as a reality that God has allowed, giving thanks and doing the best in that situation.
Third, it is the faith of giving generously. Hebrews 13:16 says this. “Only do good and do not forget to share with one another, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” When someone is in need, it's time to reach out a warm hand. Then, take the stewardship and make good use of the opportunity for salvation. God is pleased with your faith when you do not regard your own as your own, but as your temporary management and share it with others.
Fourth, it is God-centered faith. No matter what, “Is this the will of God? Would God be pleased with this?” The great men seek the will of heaven by working easily according to the rules, but the small men go against the rules and work hard to find good luck. Always live according to God's will. How tiring would that life be if everyone tried to be number one? The important thing is to follow God's will and providence and walk in order according to your stride.