The Importance of Taking Action
Ecclesiastes 11 teaches the critical role of attitude in realizing our dreams and projects. No one achieves success in life without taking initiative or changing their approach to challenges.
Definition of Attitude: Attitude refers to a standard of behavior that leads to specific actions. It is the realization of an intention or purpose.
Casting Your Bread Upon the Waters
When we “cast our bread upon the waters,” we are sowing seeds, sending them out to grow. Only after this act will we see the fruits of a bountiful harvest. How can there be a harvest if the seed is not planted in fertile soil?
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, KJV)
Ecclesiastes emphasizes the need for determination. It is vital to invest our resources in various places, as the future is uncertain. We must remember that our time on earth is temporary; the only place where we will be eternal is in heaven.
The Cemetery and Lost Opportunities
A cemetery holds far more than bodies, tombstones, and memories. Each grave contains untold life stories, lost knowledge, composers who never created, musicians who never played, preachers who never ministered, and teachers who never taught. It is filled with unexplored riches, and reflecting on these “treasures” reveals the importance of living without fear of taking action.
Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. (Ecclesiastes 11:3-4, KJV)
If we wait for perfect conditions to start a dream or project, we will never begin, as obstacles will always arise. The courageous person is not the one who waits for the ideal moment but the one who, regardless of circumstances, takes action and strives to achieve their goals.
Often, we claim we cannot pursue dreams due to limited financial resources, yet we manage to pay high credit card bills. Financial management is crucial for those with dreams. By controlling expenses and wisely managing income, achieving goals becomes much more feasible.
Ecclesiastes shows that even in unfavorable conditions, there are opportunities to sow and reap. In life, nothing happens by chance. Even in adversity, we can turn challenges into something positive, leading to the fulfillment of a dream.
Trust in God’s Ways
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. (Ecclesiastes 11:5-6, KJV)
Understanding God’s ways is impossible, but we must trust that there is a divine purpose in everything. God has control over all things, and our attitude of pursuing goals with determination attracts His blessings for growth.
Ecclesiastes challenges us to step out of our comfort zone to receive blessings. Since we cannot know which projects will succeed, we must persist and never give up. Even if others doubt, entrust your dreams to God, take the initiative, and dedicate yourself.
Never abandon a dream. Persist, trust in God, and believe in your ability to achieve.
