eat, drink and be merry

A good part of my last couple of months in school, I struggled with the meaning(lessness) of work. If what we do here on earth gets washed away like sandcastles, then what is the point of all the toil and labour?

Perhaps we’ve been viewing work as some sort of punishment. Since the fall, man was driven out of Eden and condemned to a life of labour and futility (Genesis 3: 16-19).

But labour and futility does not equate to futile labour.

Why should we work?

Because God worked too.
He created the world and saw that it was good (Genesis 1:31). He’s still working and sustains all that He has created (Psalm 104). He was at work in human history – redemption and salvation – seen vividly in Israel’s history.

Because He has given us the privilege to work with Him.
He made man to rule over His creations (Genesis 1:26) and cultivate the land (Genesis 2:15). Did He need the help of human beings? No! He is not served by human hands (Acts 17:25). Rather, He gave us the privilege of sharing in His work. Work is a gift of God.

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to
find satisfaction in his toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of
life God has given him – for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man
wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be
happy in his work – this is a gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5: 18-19)

This is what gives the secular adage eat, drink and be merry a biblical slant.
Thank God for His gift!

*I owe this piece of writing to brother Yi Qiang, who shared this topic with me on two occasions, six months apart. I was doubly encouraged and I hope those who are in the midst of EOYs find joy in your studies =)