The wise man of Ecclesiastes emphasized that God wishes us to enjoy our lives here on earth. “I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
But, consider the verse that proceeds these two, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” (11).
Men know about God. It is interesting that despite the continued assault from atheism, modern “rationalism” and those who have made a God out of science, most people still believe in God. It is in our hearts. It is not merely tradition, culture or superstition. It is how God has made us! Consider the wise man’s conclusion:
“I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15
God has set in motion His intent and nothing that man can do will alter it in any way. He determined to create man as a creature in his own image (Genesis 1:27). He determined to send His Son as a Redeemer for mankind (John 3:16). He determined to judge all of mankind through that Son whom He has exalted, and given a name above all other names (Philippians 2:9-11).
Understand that those who do not seek eternity are not the “normal” ones. They have been deceived in their culture and lives, and they have deliberately refused to “glorify Him as God” so God has allowed them to depart into futility and sin (cf. Romans 1:18-32). The normal and appropriate thing to do is to retain eternity in our hearts. As the wise man concluded, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Remember that every aspect of our existence is centered in God. He created us, He redeems us, He prepares us for eternity. That is why we are here. In order to be successful, we must always keep “eternity in [our] hearts.” A proper perspective will bring eternal glory!
