Ecclesiastes 9:18
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war:
but one sinner destroyeth much good."
In a
world as big as ours, it’s hard to feel like what we do has a
significant impact on anything. Yet, sometimes we feel that the
entire world is riding on our shoulders. In
Ecclesiastes we read: "one sinner destroys much
good." What the Scripture is saying is that every person must see his or her
good deeds and bad ones in perfect balance on a scale. One more good deed, and
the scales will tip in the person’s favor; one more sin and the scales will tip
to the other side.
So then
we must see the world as one collective whole, who,
like an individual, is also in constant assessment. The scale is likewise in
precise balance with good on one side and evil on the other. Every person must
feel as though his or her one act, either good or evil, can tip the scale in
any given moment. What I am doing right now can doom the world or bring about
salvation.
While
this situation is unlikely to exist, in theory, it could. God does judge each
of us as individuals and the world as a whole. And because the situation could
theoretically arise that our one deed could make all the difference, we are
required to live our lives as if it does, therefore, "We are
the world."
However, this is
the exact opposite approach to how most think; "that nothing we do matters."
When we think that our actions bear little or no significance, what point is
there in pushing ourselves to be extra kind, to be honest, to reach out to
someone in need? If our actions don’t really matter, what harm is there if we
cheat just a little, engage in sinful acts just a bit, or treat someone badly?
This is
what Solomon was addressing when he wrote that "one
sinner destroys much good." Just one sin can tip the scales the wrong
way, doing a lot of damage. But if
one sin can destroy it all, the opposite is equally true and one good deed can
repair everything and result in unfathomable benefit. Each of us has tremendous
power. If only we recognized the power God has placed in our hands to do good
and repel evil, we would all live more productive lives, full of meaning and
contribution.
My Friend's, Today,
let us act as if each of our actions can determine the fate of the world. How
might our choices differ from those we make every other day? How might our life
be different if we truly lived like this every day, "We Are The World!"
Amen!
Reading: (Eccl. 9:13-18)
Ref: (HG SB)
May God Bless You
And Your Family
Minister Robert Lail Sr.
The Cross Life Ministry
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