What is the point of Earthly life if we Just die and that's it?
Eternal Living vs. Worldly Living
Sweet is the Sleep of the Laborer: Living a Biblical Life on Earth
In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon reflects on the profound yet often perplexing nature of life. He writes in Ecclesiastes 5:12, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.” This verse offers a striking image of contentment versus anxiety, drawing a sharp contrast between the life of those who toil and the restless existence of those who have wealth in abundance. It speaks to the broader theme of finding peace in simplicity, and it challenges us to reconsider how we live our lives on Earth.
To live a Biblical life, it is helpful to understand four major themes that the Scriptures emphasize:
Creation: Understanding the Origin of Life
Salvation: Embracing the Redemption Offered
End Times: Preparing for the Final Judgment
How to Live on Earth: Practical Guidance for Everyday Life
Each of these points sheds light on how we can live according to God's design and purpose, fostering a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, as reflected in Ecclesiastes 5:12. Let's explore these four themes in more detail.
When you read this the over arching question to focus on is …
“What is the point of my life if it ends when I die on Earth?”
Truly this is the toughest question anyone can ask and most don’t like to think about it. What do you do when you don’t think about it?
You make yourself busy .. a busy mind has no time to ponder these things but be careful because that busyness can cause you to forget about finding the answer.
What is the answer ? Belief in Jesus as your ticket to eternity. Without that belief and hope what is the point ?
1. Creation: The Foundation of Our Purpose
The Bible begins with the creation narrative in Genesis, where God creates the world, mankind, and all that exists. This account is not just a historical record but an essential foundation for understanding our purpose in life. When we consider creation, we are reminded that we are designed by God for a specific purpose—to know Him, to care for His creation, and to live in relationship with Him and with one another.
The laborer's sleep in Ecclesiastes 5:12 may be sweet because it reflects the satisfaction that comes from working in harmony with God's design. When we engage in meaningful work—whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual—we are aligning with the Creator's original plan. In Genesis 2:15, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and keep it." Work is not a curse but part of God's good creation, and finding contentment in it, no matter our station in life, brings us closer to fulfilling our God-given purpose.
2. Salvation: Finding Rest in Christ
The second essential theme of a Biblical life is salvation. In the context of Ecclesiastes 5:12, we see that the "full stomach of the rich" is associated with restlessness. This alludes to the emptiness that wealth can bring, despite its outward advantages. In contrast, salvation through Jesus Christ offers a deeper and lasting rest. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Salvation is the ultimate remedy for the anxiety and restless striving of this world. Jesus offers the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), a peace that is not dependent on material wealth or earthly circumstances. When we place our trust in Christ, we are freed from the burden of trying to secure our own righteousness and are invited to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This rest allows us to live with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that we are secure in God's love and grace.
3. End Times: Living with Eternity in Mind
The third theme to consider is the biblical view of the End Times. Ecclesiastes 5:12 reminds us that earthly pursuits, especially the accumulation of wealth, ultimately fail to satisfy. The Bible frequently teaches that life on Earth is temporary and that our true hope lies in the future fulfillment of God's kingdom. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul writes, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Living with an awareness of the End Times means recognizing that the riches and comforts of this world are fleeting. As Ecclesiastes repeatedly reminds us, "everything is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2)—a chasing after the wind. True fulfillment and rest come when we live with our eternal destination in mind, prioritizing spiritual over material wealth. The hope of eternal life in Christ reframes our understanding of success, work, and rest, giving us an eternal perspective on how to live today.
4. How to Live on Earth: Practical Wisdom from Scripture
Finally, how should we live on Earth? The Bible is full of practical wisdom for living in this world, navigating the tension between our spiritual calling and our earthly responsibilities. Solomon's observations in Ecclesiastes are a good place to start, as he examines the futility of earthly pursuits and points to a life centered on God. The Apostle Paul also provides guidance on living wisely. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, he writes, “But godliness with contentment is great gain...For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
The key to a Biblical life is balancing our work and our rest, our material needs and our spiritual desires. In a world that constantly tells us to seek more, Ecclesiastes calls us to be content with what we have and to find peace in the simple, meaningful work God has given us. Like the laborer in Ecclesiastes 5:12, we can enjoy sweet sleep when we are not weighed down by the anxieties of wealth or status. Instead, we can work hard, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and rest in the peace of God.
Viewing Life Above the Sun
The central message of Ecclesiastes is the importance of viewing life "above the sun"—with an eternal perspective. Without this view, everything under the sun is meaningless, fleeting, and often frustrating. To live a Biblical life, we must set our hearts on things above (Colossians 3:2), remembering that our work, our struggles, and our joys are all part of God’s greater plan. When we live with this perspective, we find contentment, purpose, and rest, no matter our circumstances.
Conclusion
Ecclesiastes 5:12 beautifully captures the essence of a life lived in simplicity and contentment. The laborer's sleep is sweet because he rests from his work without the burden of excessive wealth or desire. Similarly, a Biblical life calls us to find our rest in God’s creation, in the salvation offered through Christ, and in the hope of eternity. By focusing on these four themes—Creation, Salvation, End Times, and How to Live on Earth—we can live lives of purpose, peace, and true fulfillment. Above all, we are reminded to view life not just through the lens of this world, but from the eternal perspective that only God provides.