How can we discern when to "seek" or "lose" in our daily lives? Grasping the Heart of Ecclesiastes 3:6 “a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard.” Why God Builds Life in Seasons • The verse sits in a long list of God-appointed “times” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). • Each pair of opposites is God’s reminder that He, not chance, orders our rhythms (Psalm 31:15). • Because the Lord rules the calendar, our task is not to force every moment into “seek” mode or “lose” mode, but to recognize which season He has placed us in right now. What Scripture Means by “Seek” • Pursuing something of value with effort and intention. • Ultimate model: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Other pictures: - Wisdom calling out to be sought (Proverbs 2:4-6). - The woman searching for the lost coin until she finds it (Luke 15:8-10). • Seeking is active, hopeful, expectant that God rewards the pursuit (Hebrews 11:6). What Scripture Means by “Lose” (or “Count as Lost”) • Willingly letting go of people, possessions, positions, or plans that hinder God’s higher purpose. • Modeled by Paul: “I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) • Includes: - Sin that clings so closely (Hebrews 12:1). - Love for the world’s cravings and pride (1 John 2:15-17). - Even good gifts when they rival supreme love for Christ (Genesis 22:9-12). How to Discern the Right Season • Anchored in Scripture - Measure desires against clear commands. God never calls us to “seek” what He forbids (Psalm 119:105). • Prayerful Listening - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Wise Counsel - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22). • Providential Circumstances - Doors God opens or closes (Revelation 3:7-8). • Inner Witness of Peace - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15). The Greek word for “rule” pictures an umpire making a call. • Eternal Perspective - Ask whether the pursuit or the release will matter in ten thousand years (2 Corinthians 4:18). Common Areas Where “Seek” Is Often Right • Intimacy with the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13). • Reconciliation with a brother or sister (Matthew 5:23-24). • Wisdom before decision-making (James 1:5). • Opportunities to share the gospel (Colossians 4:3). • Justice for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17). Common Areas Where “Lose” Is Often Right • Unrepentant habits that grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-31). • Bitterness and offense (Ephesians 4:32). • Excess possessions that choke generosity (Luke 12:33-34). • Anxious striving for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). • Man-pleasing reputation projects (Galatians 1:10). Guardrails While Seeking • Keep first things first—kingdom over comfort. • Remain humble; God may redirect mid-pursuit. • Stay teachable through setbacks; they refine desire. Guardrails While Losing • Release without resentment; trust God to repay (Romans 12:19). • Lose to gain—God never asks surrender without giving something better (Mark 10:29-30). • Stay alert for the next assignment; loss often precedes new doors. Living Confidently in God’s Timing Because Christ “has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), each believer can step into today with freedom: seek wholeheartedly when He signals “Go,” and lay down joyfully when He whispers “Let it go.” The Shepherd who leads us never wastes a season; He simply moves us closer to His good, pleasing, and perfect will. |
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