Seeing LIfe Clearly

So I hope you are not totally bored out of your mind reading my studies... but it sure does help me with preparation for my mission!

Ecclesiastes. Seeing Life Clearly

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? Ecclesiastes helps each of us understand it a little better.

I began my study by reading the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and completing the following statements:

·    The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.

·    The author describes himself as “son of David, kind of Jerusalem.”

·    Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

·    Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”

After reading in the Bible Dictionary I read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and listed five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on my list, I wrote the reference of the verse where I found it.

How the Author of Ecclesiastes Sought for Happiness

1.      He thinks that if he seeks wisdom he will obtain a great “estate” (1:16).

2.      He gave his all to obtain knowledge (1:17).

3.      He wanted to laugh, but found that this was a lot like having vanity (2:1).

4.      He gave himself a great house, great vineyards, orchards, gardens, springs of water, servants and maidens (2:4-7).

5.      He gave unto himself money (2:8).

 

Then to become more enlightened I read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compared it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. I then wrote a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. I then noted some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. At the end I wrote about some things that I need to do with the Lord’s guidance in my “time and season.”

Here are my thoughts:

                Timing and order are very essential to God’s plan. I have come to realize this in my life because what I have been experiencing at my age now, I would not have been able to handle at the age of fifteen. I have come to realize that doing things in the right order and at the right time is the right thing to do. I know that certain things like going on a mission are very essential to time and order. I also know that when someone is on mission and he decides to focus on things other than preaching the gospel will affect his eternal progression. As a mother the focus should be on having children, and nurturing children, and she decides to focus on family history instead. A senior couple is asked to serve a mission, but all the want to do is play with their grandchildren. These are just a few examples. What the Lord wants me to do at this time in my life is to focus on my education, and mission papers. He also wants me to develop a better relationship with my family before I go out to serve the Lord. Overall, I think that as long as I do the best I can to fulfill my “time and season” I will be blessed, and be able to reap the benefits and rewards.

I read Ecclesiastes 4–5, and chose two principles to incorporate into my life. Here are my thoughts:

Principle 1: It is better to be wise and poor than foolish and rich (4:13). This means that having knowledge is a very critical thing in life. It should not be taken for granted. Knowledge and wisdom are aspects of life that can help with discovery, and happiness.

Principle 2: It is better to keep your word than to lie and not keep it (5:5). We are taught that we should be honest in our doings with our fellowmen. We should do the best we can to be honest, and to keep our words. We should strive to obey this commandment because then we become more trustworthy, and reliable.

In the conclusion of my study I read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answered the following questions:

·         What happens to us when we die?

We become dust and our spirits return to God, the person who gave us our bodies.

·         What is “the whole duty of man”?

We are to fear God, and to keep his commandments.

·         Why is this a good description of man’s purpose?

This is a good description of man’s purpose because we are to become like Him. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet Him. We need to remember that we are no more than the dust of the earth, and to fear Him, and keep His commandments.

That's all folks!

 

Josie!