Not in unbelief -  

Volaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type.  

                                        He wrote:

  "I wish I had never been born."

Not in pleasure - 

Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure and ease. 

                                       He wrote:

  Not in money  - 

Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had an enormous fortune.  When dying he said,

"I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."

   Not in position and fame - 

Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. 

He wrote:

                                 "Youth is a mistake, 

                       manhood a struggle, 

                       old age a regret."   

 Happiness seems to be elusive, doesn't it?  How often have we thought of the "if only" family?

                "If only" I could get me another car!
            "If only" I didn't owe so many bills!
            "If only" I had married my childhood sweetheart!
            "If only" I could start all over again!
            "If only"  on and on and on!

But the truth is, all the "if only's" in the world still could not guarantee happiness.  

Happiness comes only in serving our God and  our fellowman. 

Ecclesiastes 12: 1-8; 13-14 says:
1. So remember your Creator in the days of your youth -- before the   

    difficult days come, and the years draw near when you will say, "I  

    have no pleasure in them"; 

2 before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark,  

   and the clouds disappear after the rain;
3 when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble, and  

   the virile men begin to stoop over, and the grinders begin to cease  

   because they grow few, and those who look through the windows  

   grow dim, 

4 and the doors along the street are shut; then the sound of the  

   grinding mill grows low, and one is awakened by the sound of a  

   bird, and all their songs grow faint,
5 and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street; the  

   almond blossoms grow white, and the grasshopper drags itself  

   along, and the caper berry shrivels up -- because man goes to his  

   eternal home, and the mourners go about in the streets --
6 before the silver cord is removed, or the golden bowl is broken, or  

   the pitcher is shattered at the well, or the water wheel is broken at  

   the cistern – 

7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns  

   to God who gave it.
8 "Absolutely futile!" laments the Teacher, “All of these things are   

   futile!“ 

13 The end of the matter, having heard everything: 

      Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole 

      duty of man. 

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, concerning every  

     secret thing, whether good or evil.

JUST THINK - - - 

-- Solomon had it all!!!
---- Many wives and concubines
---- Money and Power
---- Fame and Wisdom
-- Solomon searched it all!!!
-- Solomon built them all!!!
-- Here’s the Conclusion of the Matter
---- Meaningless ?

1. Remember Your Creator
-- Remember!!!
----We easily forget.
-- Your Creator
---- As opposed to “Your God”
---- Your Creator knows you intimately
---- Your Creator knows what will make you happy!!!

2. Redeem the Time

-- When?
---- “In the days of your youth”
---- “Before the days of trouble” (v.1)
---- “Before the end of the time” (v.2-5)
---- “Before you die” (v.6-7)

-- Why?
---- Everything (else) is Meaningless (v.8)

3. Reverence God
-- Verse 13
-– fear or tremble
---- Fear God!!!
---- Perfect love casts away fear (1 John 4:18)
---- Reverence, worship, and obedience (TDOT)
---- Fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7)

4. Resolve to keep His Commandments
-- This is the whole duty of men and women
-- Matthew 22: 37-40
-- Love God with all your being
---- 1. Don’t have any other gods
---- 2. Accept no substitute
---- 3. Take God seriously
---- 4. Don’t overwork.
-- Love Your Neighbor as yourself.
---- 5. Honor Your Parents
---- 6. Protect Life
---- 7. Affair-proof your marriage
---- 8. Have Integrity
---- 9. Tell the Truth
---- 10. Be Content

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