Beyond the Weekend: Making Sense out of Life
Making Sense Out of Life highlights sections of a book often considered confusing and generally unexplored—Ecclesiastes. There is a latent discomfort we all feel as life can be overwhelmingly disappointing. Ecclesiastes recognizes this meaningless to live and addresses it head-on. This series helps us find meaning in the monotony of life and gives us perspective on what God desires to do both in us and through us.
Ecclesiastes
Week 1 Verses: Ecclesiastes 1:1-10
Week 2 Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Week 3 Verses: Ecclesiastes 2:17-24
Week 4 Verses: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Week 5 Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:1-10
Week 6 Verses: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14
Why It Matters
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Read: Colossians 3:17
Listen: Colossians 3
TODAY'S MESSAGE
This week we’ve talked about having a good name. Maybe you wonder if it really matters. No question that having a good name will help you with many things throughout your life. But having a good name isn’t just about you. It isn’t about the church either. Having a good name matters because our name is connected to the name of Jesus.
The Apostle Paul knew this and kept reminding the early church. He tells the Colossians to do everything in the name of the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, he writes to the Corinthian church that they are Christ’s ambassadors—that they represent Christ to the world. Throughout Christian history, some Christians have done this well—and some unfortunately have not.
How does your life reflect on the name of Christ? Although social media can be a great way to communicate, often it brings out the worst in us. In his book Before You Hit Send, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs suggests we ask four questions to determine whether something is worth “sending”: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it clear?
Representing Jesus to the world includes what we do in our daily life—including what we send in emails and post on social media.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Think about how you represent Jesus to the world, especially in emails and on social media. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are not representing Jesus well. Asking for forgiveness, thank your heavenly Father for loving you even when you fall short. Then write on a piece of paper or in your mobile device those four questions to ask yourself as you navigate emails and social media each day.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
