Searching for Fulfillment: Part 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11

"I would like to buy about three dollars' worth of gospel, please. Not too much – just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don't want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don't want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don't want to love those from different races. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars' worth of gospel, please." – D.A. Carson.If we want true fulfillment, we must desire more than "three dollars' worth" of gospel. We must go all in on godliness.Take-Home Message: My fulfillment is determined by my choice of worldliness or godliness.The Vanity of Worldly Wisdom (1:12-18) Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom Worldly wisdom – I can play the role of God. Godly wisdom – Fear God and turn away from evil.The Vanity of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3) Worldly Pleasure vs. Godly Pleasure Worldly pleasure – God doesn't want me to have fun. Godly pleasure – God gives me true pleasure.The Vanity of Worldly Materialism (2:4-11) Worldly Materialism vs. Godly Management Worldly materialism – I'm an owner. Godly management – I'm a manager.