Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

How to Set Lifetime Goals 

14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.

15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king's successor.

16 There was no end to all the people who were before them.

But those who came later were not pleased with the successor.

This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way we think, and the way we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Do You Have Lifetime Goals?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having goals in life. In fact, it would be difficult to get out of school, get a decent job, get married or be at least partially content without them.

Motive for Goals

If the goal we try to obtain is targeted for as much power or prestige we can obtain, then the goal becomes a master of our lives. In Scripture terms, the goal becomes an idol. Solomon says these types of goals are "a chasing after the wind" because seeking approval from the masses is futile.

Power Does Not Always Bring Happiness

People are fickle. How many times have you seen a respected business man or a well-loved politician make one mistake and his or her beloved followers turn against them or worse yet, are the very ones who spread the gossip which caused the downfall in the first place?

The Lifetime Goal to Seek God

No, my friend, these types of lifetime goals are "meaningless," to quote Solomon, so we are much better off making it our goal to seek God's approval. He will never turn His back on us if we just ask.

Love in Christ

- Bob

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