Enjoying God’s Gifts

“Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

The word prosperity can mean different things to different people. But it is safe to say that a majority of us quickly define prosperity in terms of monetary wealth. Many feel that material prosperity is a key factor to happiness. Such is not the case. This is evident by observing the lives of the rich we read and hear about every day. Though money abounds, peace and contentment are often gone.

According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary by Walvoord and Zuck, Ecclesiastes 5:19 implies that: “everyone who is given wealth and possessions is also ‘empowered’ to enjoy them...It emphasizes enjoyment as a gift.”

It was John D. Rockefeller, one of America’s wealthiest men, who received this gift of enjoyment late in his life. Ill and near death, he made the decision to give away millions of dollars. Until that time, nothing had given him any true happiness or enjoyment. Within twelve months of his philanthropic decision, he was completely recovered and lived for another thirty-five years.

Whether you are the keeper of millions or of hundreds, you can find yourself in the same sinking sand as Rockefeller until you understand God’s idea of prosperity - enjoying God’s gifts and sharing them with others.