Are there consequences for life’s decisions? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 11.
How important is generosity and does God reward generosity in mysterious ways?
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. (Ecc 11:1-5 NASB)
Should we be diligent and diversify our efforts or just gamble on only one effort?
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6 NIV)
Should we learn from both our good and our bad days?
Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity. (Ecc 11:7-8 NKJV)
Should we just enjoy our youth without preparing diligently for the rest of our lives?
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10 NLT)
Who can we rely upon as an unchanging power in our lives?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 WEB)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? You decide!
