The scripture for today, July 29, is Ecclesiastes 7:29 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.”

We begin our lives upright ~ sinless. But as we grow out of innocent childhood, we begin to want recognition, money, and to make our surroundings beautiful. And we tend to scheme to get them.

True, God does not want to deprive us if we can obtain these things. But Solomon (who wrote this), with all his worldwide fame, wealth, and beauty, still felt empty. Actually, we can even read the Bible and go to worship and still feel empty. Why? Because we need to add good works to our faith (James 2) ~ helping others with the same enthusiasm that we pursue recognition, money, and beauty.

Sometimes to fill our emptiness, we need to just return to our early childhood when we saw life through innocent eyes. Through simple eyes. Through eyes that believe so easily in God, and so easily love him.

Sometimes as we progress through life, let us return to that more innocent way of life.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE YOU HAVE BEGUN TO BE OBSESSED ABOUT? DO YOU THINK YOU SHOULD TRY TO BACK OFF FROM IT AWHILE TO GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE?