HANDS AS TOOLS OF LIFE

“Whatever your HAND FINDS TO DO, do it with your might…” – Ecclesiastes 9:10a

GOD wants His children to walk effectively in the understanding of HANDS AS TOOLS of LIFE: “Whatever your HAND FINDS TO DO, do it with your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Eccl.9:10). Hands are symbolic of actions that accompany our choices and decisions. Even when such actions do not involve the actual use of physical hands, figuratively “whatever your hand finds to do” covers every possible action in all aspects of life: personal; home or family-related; work-, job-, career-, or employment-related; leadership and ministry; and activities associated with the service of church, society, or humanity as a whole.

Ecclesiastes 9 presents sound wisdom for living; the best way to live under the sun! It begins by admitting the reality “that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the HAND of GOD” (v.1a). Nothing is outside of His Sovereign Rule. Added is a Word of Hope: “But for him who is joined to all the living there is HOPE, for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (v.4). Wisdom for Life is then juxtaposed with the reality of death as the fate that ultimately awaits all people. Death is the great equalizer (vv.5-6). In light of death, we’re to live life and make the best of it. Paul admonished: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor.10:31). Colossians 3:17 also says: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

We should live life to the full in God’s Presence, filling every moment with meaningful activity: “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart…Let your garments always be white, and let you head lack no oil. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life…” (vv.7-10). We must not trade our Joy and affections, or waste our hearts on toxic trash. We should live joyfully and be ever occupied: “Do business till I come” (Lk.19:13). If we abide in Christ, then we will have things set before us by God to undertake for His Glory and His purposes. There’s no excuse to be idle or to be at ease in Zion (Amo.6:1). We are meant to take responsibility for all that has been given to us to steward: Time, Training, Talents, Treasures, and Time. Our hands are not only to find something doing, but to do it with all might – conscientiously, diligently, efficiently, and effectively. Rather than permit mediocrity, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right!

Whatever is worth doing, is worth giving our very best. We must never rationalize mediocrity. That’s not the way God intends His people to operate. Rather, being like Him, we should seek to be excellent in all activities, trusting Him for the results. Yes, the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. But life is not just about winning; it is about living! The wise sometimes go hungry; the skilful are not necessarily wealthily; and the educated don’t always lead the most successful lives (vv.11-12). But, life is not only about what we possess or accumulate; it is about Who possesses us and the lives we touch and influence positively for Him.

Our HANDS must engage with LIFE enthusiastically. Whatever we do must be with delight, gusto and passion! In particular, as Believers in Christ, we must do whatever we’re doing as unto God: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24). We must become passionate for doing God’s Will, for achieving success for His Kingdom and His Glory and noy just our own. Then, the works of our hands take on eternal significance and become our impactful God-appointed assignments which open doors into higher callings.