Series: Lost Plot
Message: Seeking Meaning & Purpose this New Year
Preacher: David Smith
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read of listen to Psalm 49:1-4.
Read: Ecclesiastes 12 - As you re-read for the final time this week in the ESV translation, what did you discover new about God’s character?
Reflect: In her book, Prophets and Kings, Ellen White notes that the impact of Solomon’s life wasn’t just personal, but rather his life choices had a powerful influence on others. While he made a severe course correction in the latter years of his life , calling on others to chose God in their youth, there was no undoing the impact of his former indulgences and compromises. Though he was repentant, she states that his earlier decisions to bring in idolatry and “worldly practices” greatly reduced his influence for good. She puts it this way:
“Among the many lessons taught by Solomon’s life, none is more strongly emphasized than the power of influence for good or for ill. However contracted may be our sphere, we still exert an influence for weal or woe. Beyond our knowledge or control, it tells upon others in blessing or cursing. It may be heavy with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of some cherished sin; or it may be charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. But potent for good or for ill it will surely be.”
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray that your influence can be used in a way that makes a positive impact on the people around you.
Research: Read Chapter 1 from Prophets and Kings.