How does Ecclesiastes 3:9 relate to Colossians 3:23 about working for the Lord? Scripture Focus Ecclesiastes 3:9: “What does the worker gain from his toil?” Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,” Observing Ecclesiastes 3:9 • Solomon asks what lasting profit comes from all our labor under the sun. • The implied answer—apart from God’s eternal purposes, earthly toil yields no ultimate gain (compare 1 Corinthians 15:58). • The verse invites reflection: Is my work merely temporal, or is it tied to God’s greater design? Connecting Colossians 3:23 • Paul answers Solomon’s implied question: true gain comes when work is offered directly to the Lord. • By shifting the audience of our labor from “men” to “the Lord,” Paul restores eternal value to everyday tasks (see Ephesians 6:7–8). Shared Themes • God-given work: Both passages assume work is part of God’s created order (Genesis 2:15). • Question of reward: Ecclesiastes asks about profit; Colossians promises an inheritance reward (Colossians 3:24). • Perspective shift: Earth-bound toil vs. heaven-focused service. How Ecclesiastes Informs Colossians 1. Recognizes the futility of self-centered labor—setting the stage for Paul’s command to reorient work toward God. 2. Exposes the heart’s thirst for significance; Colossians satisfies it with service to Christ. 3. Moves the believer from questioning purpose to embracing purposeful diligence. Practical Application • Evaluate motives: Is my effort driven by paychecks or by worship (Proverbs 16:2)? • Redirect daily tasks—paid or unpaid—as acts of devotion. • Expect eternal dividends; nothing done “in the Lord” is wasted (Galatians 6:9). • Cultivate integrity and excellence because the true Supervisor sees in secret (Matthew 6:4). Supporting Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” • Hebrews 6:10 — “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown His name.” |
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