Title: How to become a leader of faith
Ecclesiastes (8) The way to become a leader of faith (Ecclesiastes 3:12-15)
< The way to become a leader of faith >
Even now, God is the living God who builds up the fallen, heals the sick, supports the failing, strengthens the weak, gives courage to the coward, and gives dignity to the poor. What must we do to experience the grace of the living God and become a leader of faith?
1. Rejoice and do good
Rejoice and do good to everyone for a long time in every place and time and by every means and means possible (verse 12). Then, miraculous blessings and the history of change will appear. When we meet God, we become thirsty for good works. Follow that thirst, refrain from harming others as much as possible, and do your best to do good. When you make your life a gift to someone by doing good like that, you become the boss of faith.
2. Live happily
It is not a sin to eat, drink, and have fun while sweating hard, but rather a gift from God (v. 13). Never feel guilty about living properly. The world is dark now. In order to illuminate that dark world, it is necessary to look like an investigator, but also to live a happy life. When you think about the dark reality, you may think, “How can I enjoy it comfortably?” But still, enjoy it. The saints who do not lose their joy and happiness under any circumstances are the leaders of faith.
3. Look only to God
What God does is eternal and perfect (verse 14). Why does God act perfectly? It is to fear God. Now look to God. If you only look at the world and environment, an optical illusion occurs, making the big things look small and the small things big. In Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver's body did not suddenly grow or shrink, and was always the same size, but in some countries he became a giant and in some countries he became a villain. When your faith grows like that, you become a giant who overcomes the waves of the world, but when your faith weakens, you become a villain who is buried by the waves.
< Become a leader of faith >
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (verse 15). How powerful is the fact that God does not change? The biggest problem in the world is that it is always changing. The entrance exam requirements change, the election laws change, the culture changes, and the taste and personality change. The fortress world is like a rugby ball, and I am anxious because I do not know which direction it will bounce. But God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How reassuring and reassuring are you? The fact that God is unchanging also challenges us to remain faithful to ourselves.
Even if the times and circumstances change, the attitude toward life should remain constant. If you live well, do not rise, and if you do not live well, do not become low. When you receive praise, do not be proud; when you are rebuked, do not enter into temptation. In any case, your right thoughts will not change, your relationships will not change, your service and dedication will not change. Once you have taken over, keep your position even if it is difficult. When you are rebuked, sick, and tempted, do not be shaken; when you suffer loss and persecution, do not be shaken. When you do not lose your smile even in difficult times, God will smile too.
Whenever you are struggling or discouraged, stand in front of the mirror and smile softly, and you will feel your own heart smile as well. A smile opens up your chest, but if you make an impression, your heart becomes stuffy. Always have a big heart. If you think of the Lord's walk in the midst of difficulties and live with a smile, miraculously, the closed door of your environment will soon be opened.
There is a saying that there is no defeat for those who believe in history. However, there is no more defeat for those who believe in the God who rules the history. Even though it may appear to be defeated, God will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). In John 16:33, the Lord said, “Be of good cheer! I have conquered the world!” he said. The saints are already victors and must become the captain of faith with a big heart.