The world that we live in, specifically the Western culture…if we think Europe, the America’s, even the mainland influences that permeate the Pacific Islands; this has all been built on a capitalistic system, whereby we are taught at an early age to try improve our lot in life, and while that has worked out for many…if we think about immigrants who come here with nothing and work hard and are able to buy a house, put their kids through college etc., that can be a good thing, but on the other hand, it has also made us very materialistic — always wanting more stuff!
You could attribute the high divorce rates to this thirst for more stuff. People become unsettled with their current circumstances, and they foolishly think if they break off one relationship, the next on will bring them happiness. The same could be said with always needing to buy the newest car….or newest “anything” for that matter.
With that said, today’s scripture points out that we should be happy with what God has put before us, and at the same time, be thankful that God has given us the wherewithal to be able to enjoy His blessings:
Ecc 5:19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.
So while we are prone to get caught up in the rat race of life, we should also remember what the Bible says here, to take a couple minutes out of the day, and just thank God for what He has put before us.
Will we all be millionaires? Unlikely. But do we have food for our next meal? Probably so, and if we do, let’s thank God for what He has put before us, and also the good health that He has give us to enjoy it.