We’ve been spending some time with the book of Ecclesiastes. At first glance, chapter one seems pretty dreary. “All things are full of weariness,” the author says, “a man cannot utter it…” (Ecclesiastes 1:8).
See what I mean!
But the teacher is expressing frustrations, not making conclusions. He’s working out his thoughts and feelings about the challenges of life, and is inviting us to come along for the journey.
Recently, I came across a statement by Rick Warren that speaks to the rationale of the book as a whole: “The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking.”*
He’s right, and it’s easy to do. We live in a society that seems to prioritize the here and now. We have microwaves and overnight delivery. We have (instant) digital communication and artificial intelligence. Because of this, we are at risk of focusing only on what is right in front of our faces, instead of the bigger picture.
Money isn’t all there is. If we think it is, that’s short-term thinking.
Being popular by the world’s standards isn’t all there is. If we think it is, that’s short-term thinking.
Upward mobility at work or in society isn’t all there is. If we think it is, and if we live in a way that isn’t consistent with God’s kingdom, that’s short-term thinking.
Fun experiences that make us smile and laugh aren’t all there is. Sure, those are nice from time to time. They can even be medicinal. But if we think they are, that’s short-term thinking.
Even focusing exclusively on our family isn’t all there is. Is family important? Absolutely. But if we only think about our family and neglect God, that too can be short-term thinking.
Here’s something I do to keep the big picture in mind. I have a list of priorities. Some of them are about my personal development as a disciple. Some are about my family. Some are about my role as a pastor. Some are about other things.
Here’s what I do. I look at them every two weeks. That’s it. I simply remind myself about why I’m here and what I’m aiming for.
Feel free to take it or leave it. Either way, it can be helpful for you to keep the big picture in mind. If not, you might be at risk of letting the tyranny of the here-and-now take over.
“The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking.”
Notes:
-Rick Warren, What On Earth Am I Here For? (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 30.
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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