Ecclesiastic Life

The text today is Ecclesiastes 9. In many ways I've been able to relate to the wisdom of the existential writings of this book in my own life. This book which was written by Solomon so many years ago seems so contemporary. There is a sense of impermanence that we feel all to keenly today in the rush of our lives and the technological speed that demands our every waking attention.

I find chapter 9 interesting for how the writer explains why we should be happy in our life situations (good or bad). Put simply - because we are alive!
The author explains that life is a gift from God and the very symbol of his satisfaction and favor. Life is the opportunity to do good things/work. We can do good in pleasure and in our sufferings. There is no sense here that it's always going to come up with roses. There are also thorns. And sometimes those thorns will cause us to bleed. We choose how we react to those thorns and our actions will determine whether we did good. (I Thessalonians 5:18)

When we are dead we "never again...have a part in anything that happens under the sun": which is why we should make the most of our lives,
(vs 7)" go eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do." (don't complain about what you don't have)
(vs 8) "Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil." (purity in thought and action)
(vs 9) "Enjoy life...." (Life is the reward)
(vs 10) "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...." (in your work and play strive to do the best you can do.)

For years I've struggled with trying to understand the "christianese" language of the words "God's call/calling". I've wondered what God has called me to.... So many people have tried to tell me what Gods call was but I never heard it that call myself. It seems that if God calls me I will be the one who knows it (like Samuel in I Samuel 3 or Saul/Paul in Acts 9:3-6)
I have been seeking God's calling and listening for years but all I get is silence. I've had revelation through his word. And I'm beginning to wonder if Gods calling in my life is simply to do the best that I can do no matter what I do. It's all a part of being "hot" or "cold" (Revelation 3:15-16). So I struggle and strive to do good and do the best in my art, my play and my work - whatever I set my hands to do.

So, finally, maybe there is no "call"
maybe God does not call us
maybe he only judges us by how we did - what we did. Which is why I can only fall at his feet and cry out for mercy being grateful for the work of his son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, that paid the price for all my inadequacies and imperfections of body, mind and spirit.


Thanks for reading,
mobius faith (the seeker)

as always comments, thoughts, criticisms are welcome.