Ecclesiastes 1

What comes next?

What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun? ~ Ecclesiastes 1:3

 What comes next is a powerful question that makes us think about how we spend our days and what we’re truly working towards. Many people devote their lives to building a career, accumulating wealth, and preparing for retirement. While financial security is wise and responsible, it’s sobering to realize how much effort we put into a future that will last only a few years, yet most people give little thought to eternity, which lasts forever.

Personally, I’ve seen how many people diligently plan for retirement. Conversations often revolve around investments, savings accounts, and pensions. There’s a constant drive to make sure they have a comfortable and secure future. Yet, when the topic of what comes after this life comes up, the response is often uncertain, uninterested and dismissive. I remember a time when I was only focused on career growth and financial stability, believing that once I reached a certain position, I would feel secure and fulfilled. But true fulfillment was always out of reach until I started seeking God’s eternal purpose.

The reality is, no matter how well we plan, our life in this world is temporary. Solomon’s words remind us that our labor under the sun, while necessary, should not be our only focus. Jesus Himself encouraged us to store up treasures in heaven rather than just here on earth (Matthew 6:20). When we invest in our relationship with God, share His love with others, and live according to His Word and purpose, we are preparing for a future that will never fade.

Some might think, “I have time to think about eternity later,” or “I’m not sure what I believe.” The truth is, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow (James 4:14). Life is fleeting, and it’s wise to ask yourself now: What comes next? Planning for eternity doesn’t mean neglecting today’s responsibilities or financial planning; it means living with purpose, knowing that our choices today have everlasting significance.

So, how can we practically begin planning for eternity? To get started, you must enter into a personal relationship with Him and then consistently grow in that relationship by spending time with Him each day. Start by seeking God through His Word. Spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom and clarity about His plans and purpose. Build relationships within a faith community where you can grow spiritually and serve others. Consider how your daily choices are toward eternal priorities rather than just temporal gain.

You will also need to consider the legacy you are leaving. Beyond financial assets, what spiritual investments are you making? Are you mentoring, encouraging, or supporting others in their faith journeys? These acts of service extend beyond this life and store up eternal rewards in your heavenly bank account.

Ecclesiastes challenges us to evaluate what truly matters. Retirement planning can secure comfort for a few years, but a heart set on God assures joy for eternity. If you’re unsure where to start, begin by surrendering your plans to God. Trust Him to guide your steps and lead you into a deeper understanding of His eternal purpose.

Remember, your labor is not in vain when it’s done with a heart that is in agreement with your heavenly Father. Live each day with eternity in mind, knowing that the greatest reward is not found in temporary comforts, but in the everlasting presence of our Creator.

Today I want to encourage you to yes, plan wisely for your future, but don’t forget about your eternal future. Life under the sun is fleeting, but life with God is everlasting. Every step you take in seeking Him is an investment in an inheritance that will never fade. Let the wisdom of Ecclesiastes remind you that true fulfillment is found in living for God and storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

I pray your heart be drawn to eternal things, and that you find joy and purpose in the knowledge that your life has everlasting significance.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 1

1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

3 What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?

4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever.

5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arose.

6 The wind goes toward the south and turns around to the north; The wind whirls about continually and comes again on its circuit.

7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; To the place from which the rivers come, there they return again.

8 All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.

11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come after.

12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered.

16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.”

17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.