Scripture
I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless {hebel}.
~Ecclesiastes 2:1, NLT
Quote
None is so empty as he who is full of himself.
Ya’akov
Solomon had the power and the resources to pursue pleasure to an extent that would stagger the imagination of men both ancient and modern. As an experiment, he indulged in unrestrained pleasure, denying himself nothing that he desired. He found out, possibly too late, that unrestrained self-indulgence is not only destructive to others; it also destroys your own soul. After all the pleasure, Solomon felt empty. Open your bible to Ecclesiastes 2:1-16 and look at the number of times the pronoun “I” appears: it is very much like Luke 12:13-21. Some think Jesus had this passage in mind when he told the story of the rich fool. I don’t think Solomon was a megalomaniac thirsting for power but he was a narcissist in pursuit of pleasure. All my life, I have heard that money cannot buy love nor happiness and I believe this to be true but not from my own personal experience — I’ve never had wealth. But, though I have not learned this life lesson by experience, I have learned it from the experience of others. This is why God has given us His word; it is to instruct us and keep us from hurting ourselves and others.
You might not take the time to open your bible to Ecclesiastes 2 so I will help you out…this is what you would find…
- I said to myself…
- I found…
- I said..
- I decided to cheer myself
- I clutched…
- I tried…
- I made…
- I built…
- I bought…
- I owned…
- I collected…
- I hired…
- I had everything a man could desire!
- I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me.
- I wanted and I took…
- I denied myself no pleasure.
- I found…
- I looked…
- But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
- I decided…
- I thought…
- I saw…
- I will die the same as a fool
You do not have to be a psychologist to figure this out: Solomon was full of himself, he was choking on his own ego. In all of his writings, he never mentions his children, grandchildren or any of his 700 wives. He was wrapped up in himself. No wonder, he felt that his life had no significance. Vanity begets vanity. Life has no meaning when everything revolves around your tiny self. After William Booth, the founder of the SALVATION ARMY, was unable to travel or attend meetings; the delegates at the annual meeting of the Salvation Army wired Booth and ask him to say a word to the convention. His telegram in response had one word on it…“Others.” The key to abundant living is to think of others and to put their needs first. Selfishness has never produced happiness. Once you make everything about yourself, you are destined to a life of misery.
Well, we spent the better part of yesterday at clinics and doctor’s offices. First of all, I want to thank my gracious wife for accompanying me and filling out all the paper work [which I loathe] and for driving me home. I far as I know, everything was good. Dr. Schroeder says there is no fatty tumor pressing against the diaphragm. He is not sure that the diaphragm has been depressed but it is too high and not working properly which causes the shortness of breath. The wheezing which inspired my sweet wife to nick name me Darth Vader is caused by Asthma which he gave me medicine for a 6 weeks ago but I quit taking it because it caused hoarseness. Big Mama ratted me out but he explained that hoarseness is a side effect of the medicine. He says that my phrenic nerve has been damaged or is suffering paralysis and this is what is causing the diaphragm not to work. The real good news is: weight is not an issue. All I have to worry about now in my sugar. Hallelujah! I have celebrated all evening: I had noches and cheese at the ball game, a chicken salad sandwich when I got home and then a piece of strawberry pie before I retired. God is good. I thought the doctor said that I had a frantic nerve problem but BM says is phrenic nerve. She wanted to make sure I did not tell you that I have a frantic nerve problem. If I had one, I bet she could get on it: what do you think? I’ve had a three day headache and if she reads this, I might have a frying pan type head ache. Tina Jones told me once, “If I was married to you, I’d be calling the man with the backhoe, because we would be digging your grave.” Poor old Daryl.
LORD willing, I will be in Birmingham today. Please pray for Cousin Karen, she is having a triple by-pass this evening. [Scheduled to start at 3:30 pm]. I did enjoy the sunshine yesterday, thank YOU Jesus!