Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-15, 2:18-26.
People are on a constant search for meaning in life. Some attempt to find meaning in the accumulation of material possessions. But, in the final analysis, you can’t take it with you. Solomon, the king in Jerusalem, reflected on the meaning and purpose in life and where to find it. He began a thought experiment examining everything in life. That was a tall order, but Solomon was endowed with great wisdom by God. He begins by saying that he had seen it all. But, Solomon concludes that everything that he had pursued in an attempt to find meaning and concluded that it could be described as “vanity.” He found everything to be futile. Solomon also considered that everything that he had worked so hard for would eventually be inherited by someone who did not earn it. That was also futile.
For us in the twenty-first century, the problem that Solomon defined has not changed. The conclusion both Solomon and we are lead to is that having a relationship with God is the key to having the correct perspective on work, possessions, and the future. The only way that we can be in a right relationship with God is to place our trust in Jesus Christ. Once we have that relationship, then all the other things will fall into proper perspective (Matt. 6:33). That is the only thing that you can take with you!
Mark Riser - Apologist 