In 2015, Essena O’Neill dropped out of social media. After building a popular persona on Instagram (700,000 followers) and YouTube (260,000 subscribers), she wrote: “I spent five years wishing I was this perfect person online and I spent three years every day working really hard at it.” She went on to say that at age 19 she realized her aspirations were misguided, stating, “I think the reality is quite sad.” So Essena left social media behind. One reason? She wanted to be a better role model for her 14-year-old sister who had also been trying to find meaning and identity in projecting a perfect image.
Solomon could relate to what Essena discovered—meaning found in anything other than God is a mirage. He wrote, “It is all meaningless—like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). The sage sought to find meaning in knowledge (Ecclesiastes 1:17), pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1), wine (Ecclesiastes 2:3), and creating and possessing things (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8). But nothing satisfied him; nothing brought purpose.
In the epilogue of his book, the king pointed to a higher authority as the means to true meaning in life. “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). As we worship God in reverent fear and follow His wise instructions—made possible by His grace—real life and purpose is attained. Solomon wrote, “God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
It’s inspiring to see a self-aware person like Essena O’Neill coming to grips with where meaning can’t be found. But how much more important it is to know that our loving God is observing our ways and knows the false strivings and true meaning hidden in our hearts (Jeremiah 17:10).
May we find our meaning in Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 24:13-43
More:
Read Matthew 6:33 and consider what Jesus said about what we should seek first in life.
Next:
Where do you typically find meaning in life? How does God alone provide true meaning and fulfillment?
sandy229 on September 30, 2016 at 12:03 am
Wow, this is really great Tom!! We can’t find meaning in anything but God, no matter how many friends we have or how much clothes we have or other material things, they have no real meaning, well clothes do have a meaning but only because we need them to cover us, but nothing else in this life matters like God matters. No matter where we go or what we do, nothing will have meaning the way God has meaning!! Without God, I am nothing!
Understand that wisdom is only a means to an end. Wisdom is not the ultimate goal; but God is our goal, and wisdom is a means of knowing Him and waking in His ways. Solomon found that earthly wisdom apart from God cannot fix what is broken or supply what is lacking; but with Christ, the wisdom of God, all things are possible( 1 Cor 1:24)
Fear the Lord, and obey Him. It is not enough just to know about God–to write or read about Him–we must know Him and follow Him. This is the goal, the greatest achievement, and the fulfillment of a person. When we lose our focus on God, all of the effort, toil, energy, and thought we put into our work on earth is compared to “chasing the wind”. Meaning and fulfillment are found in a life lived in faithfulness and integrity toward God and others.
godlove on September 30, 2016 at 4:47 am
Exactly Sandy, I agree with everything in your comment. In fact, what you said for clothes can be said for everything else we seek for here on Earth; their meaning is always limited to their momentary use. Meanwhile fearing GOD and obeying His commands will take us to eternity. Every earthly thing we seek for only serves to make this fleeting life more pleasant, but seeking GOD and following HIM serves a long-lasting purpose, much much much longer lasting 🙂 Blessings to you.
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:39 am
Good thoughts, godlove. And isn’t it interesting that he’s given us this earth to steward and to enjoy! But all of it should be based in a deep gratitude in love for Him and for others.
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:37 am
Sandy, it’s so vital for us to go deeper with God, and to realize that He’s continuing to work in us—transforming and sanctifying us—by His Spirit. May we seek Him with all our hearts today!
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 11:47 am
Sandy, I like what you’ve posted here, especially the part when you wrote, “It is not enough just to know about God – to write or read about Him – we must know Him and follow Him.” That speaks to my heart. And it is something that I am ever mindful of on this forum too. I never want to be like the girl in Tom’s devo who spent an enormous amount of time painting an online persona that was not her reality. The last thing I want to do on this forum is convey a “souped-up” version of myself. To be completely transparent, sometimes I fear that I “sound” more spiritual than I am because of some of the feedback I get from you all. I have even wondered that if we had a “meet and greet”, would you all like the online me better? (Am I crazy or what? :)) All I know is that I do write honestly from my heart, and I always try to speak truth as God has revealed it to me from His word. But the reality is that my life is fraught with failures and insecurities on a daily basis. I know more than I feel. I say more than I do. But by the grace of God, like you and everyone else, I am what I am. I am a work in progress. My prayer is that my words will reflect the reality of my life as a true disciple of Christ, and that any good that comes from me, all the glory will go straight to its rightful owner, the Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t know if this makes any sense to anyone, but I felt the prompting to share it. It’s such an incredible blessing to travel this journey during the week with folks like all of you who are running the race—sometimes stumbling and limping—with me. We’re not home yet, but I’m traveling lighter these days because of all of you! 🙂 ♡
sandy229 on September 30, 2016 at 2:40 pm
You’re not crazy GAgirl, I feel the same way. I just try to share what God puts on my heart to share, and most of it I am learning or telling myself these things. I feel exactly the same way you do and that would be great if we did have a “meet and greet”. too bad we live so far away from one another, but I also think, would I be different than I am here, and which me would people like better? lol I know we should only be concerned about what God thinks but I never want to portray myself as a “know it all”, I always want the glory to go to God.
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Glad you get me, friend! 🙂
godlove on October 3, 2016 at 9:45 am
Hi gagirl, it does make very much sense and I could have written it myself, word for word! Despite belonging to the social media generation, I have never really been enthused by it all, mainly because I realised most people use it to project an image of themselves which usually doesn’t match reality. As such I have always tried on here not to make believe I am someone whom I am not. I, too, have my own frailties and difficulties (some of which I have spoken about here, some which I keep between my God and I), like I guess all of us on this journey. But we praise GOD for His Grace and Mercy, renewed every morning. Coincidentally, I thought the ODB devotional of Saturday October 1 (Hold On) fell in line quite well with your thoughts (I read your comment during the weekend but I wasn’t able to reply then). Be blessed, sister.
gagirllive on October 3, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Thank you, godlove. Of course you were able to identify with what I shared, spirit-kindred friend . 🙂 And I’ll join you in praise for God’s grace… and mercies ,which are new every morning. He is so good to us! Be well, brother.
godlove on September 30, 2016 at 4:21 am
How inspiring that a man who had completed almost every item on his bucket list could still turn around and say everything is meaningless. The man who (maybe more than anyone else… ever!) had experienced almost everything and possessed almost all that one could possibly wish to have in a lifetime in order to consider their life on Earth as “fulfilled”, finally saying that the only true fulfillment comes from GOD, from fearing Him and obeying His Word. I bet we’ve all been through times when we thought a new and exciting-looking situation would give us that full sense of satisfaction that we crave for, but when it comes around, like the saying goes, “anticipation trumps experience.” One thing I have realised about the earthly things we seek for is that they never truly and completely satisfy; the moment we obtain one thing is the same moment we start seeking for something else. The only time when I feel real peace is when I feel GOD’s presence in my life in one way or the other. They satisfaction and joy that I feel in HIS Love is undescribable. I’m not sure whether it’s right but strangely enough, I generally feel more joy knowing that He did something for me or granted a blessing upon me than in the actual blessing itself. The joy in what He has done is usually very fleeting compared to the joy in knowing that He is present and working in my life. Thanks for this meaning-filled devotional today, Tom. Blessed weekend to all; with love.
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:41 am
Praise God for His presence, godlove. Where would we be without the Holy Spirit within us—to comfort, counsel, and convict us? Oh the joy we find in knowing God and being one in Christ.
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 8:44 am
Yes, godlove, I know exactly what you mean about the greater joy of His loving-kindness rather than the gift itself! And this is rightly so! So often I have whispered a little silent prayer in my heart about a desire—not even really making a request—and He surprises me with it. But the tears of gratitude flow because He has made Himself—His presence—so personally “visible” to me. Does that make sense? Long after the enthusiasm of the gift is gone, I am still in awe of the Giver. Thanks for sharing that wonderful insight, godlove!
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 9:41 am
Yes, this resonates, GG. Gratitude to and for the Giver!!
godlove on September 30, 2016 at 10:27 am
It does make very much sense gagirl. You have echoed the point I was trying to make perfectly. The enthusiasm of the gift finishes far far quicker than the joy in the Giver. For me It’s less about “what” He did, and more about just that plain fact that He actually did it. I’m happy to find someone who feels the same way too. I’d almost forgotten you were my kindred spirit friend 🙂
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 10:55 am
Haha!…amen, brother!
Gary Shultz on September 30, 2016 at 6:33 am
Wow Tom, it is good to see so many people getting up early and being so sharp. I think I’ll have to wait on GG to add more because many good comments have been made. The only thing I would add is about the story itself, the mind capturing ability of social media and the electronic world itself. People get lost there. People walking with hardly looking where they are going, a high percent still texting while driving, and then there is games. Sorry to say it seems like it has been the “golden calf” for some time now. I will say it has become an addictive idol. I think it’s time for many to get their heads out of a screen and into reality. God designed us with a soul that would fit with His, not a mini jack. Thanks Tom
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 8:25 am
You are so right about that “golden calf”, Gary. And that last line—“God designed us with a soul that would fit with His, not a mini jack”—that is pure gold brother! 🙂
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:44 am
Well said, GG!!!
sandy229 on September 30, 2016 at 10:22 am
I agree, that is so true!!
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:43 am
Interesting insight, Gary. Technology and social media can be such good things, but—as you said—they can also become idols in our lives or distractions that lead us away from the true treasure we have in Jesus.
BearPair on September 30, 2016 at 8:20 am
Excellent thoughts, Tom–Thanks! Most of us know of Solomon’s wisdom. I’m impressed wt Essena’s wisdom, both in recognizing the shallowness of social media’s “reality” and her desire to be a role model for her younger sister. May her tribe increase!
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:45 am
Me too, BearPair. It’s a beautiful thing to see love for another trump our own interests or desires!
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 8:21 am
Amen, Tom. Life sure is a mirage without Christ. In Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) He is our Maker and our Keeper, and our only source of meaning and purpose. He is Real Life and True Love and Absolute Truth, and apart from Him “the reality is quite sad”, as this young lady discovered. I always say that the anthem of a life apart from abiding in Christ is “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”. (I know you remember that song from back in the day. 🙂 ) Yes, we try and we try, but the reality is that He created us for Himself, and by design no one or nothing else is even able to fill us. One of the things I try to do when my heart begins to wander and I find myself longing for and looking to something other than God is to simply ask myself “What is it that you really want?” So often we settle for these shallow pursuits when there is a much deeper need that Christ wants to satisfy. I think it was C. S. Lewis who said something about how sad it is that we try to find contentment in making mud cakes when God is offering us a holiday at sea. As you’ve said here,Tom, we need to lay down our “false strivings” and seek the God who promises to be all we need. Thanks for this encouragement, brother. A blessed weekend to all!
godlove on September 30, 2016 at 10:42 am
I like that quote: “we try to find contentment in making mud cakes when God is offering us a holiday at sea.” Thanks for sharing gagirl. Be blessed, dear sister.
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 8:50 am
Love the quote from Paul, GG. And in that same passage he describes how God is so near to us. Something to keep in mind as we choose our activities and entertainments. And, yes, Mick and the Rolling Stones had it right—we “can’t get no satisfaction” apart from the only One who provides an abundant and satisfying life found in Him! (John 10:10).
kauai143 on September 30, 2016 at 9:06 am
Our enemy Satan is oh so subtle!! My pastor asked us to fast from social media for a week. It really opened my eyes to how Satan uses whatever he can to take my focus off of God. After the week was up, I closed my accounts. Best thing I ever did! My focus, my self worth, my desires…..everything I have need of comes from God through Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!!
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 9:42 am
Thanks for sharing, kauai143. May God bless you in your decision!
sim jing ying on September 30, 2016 at 10:11 am
I do thing I love social media as it’s a good platform to spread the love of Jesus Christ almost instantly and anywhere around the world and I find meaning of life when I listen to my Fqther in heaven and He guides me through the words of devotion. God gives us true meaning and fulfillment by embedding His Holy Spirit in us.
sim jing ying on September 30, 2016 at 10:11 am
Father not fqther
Tom Felten on September 30, 2016 at 10:59 am
Sim jing ying, social media can be such a positive force for good and for touching others with the love of Jesus. So glad you’re using it to do so!
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 11:50 am
Hmm…Wondering how long that will last if our Internet is turned over to the UN? The implications of that are scary.
sandy229 on September 30, 2016 at 2:40 pm
Yes, that is very scary!!
minkjh on September 30, 2016 at 1:53 pm
I imagine Solomon captured these thoughts near the end of his life, which started out on the right path but quickly deteriorated and evolved into tragic consequences for the nation. Tom, I like the illustration you chose for today’s reading because it calls to mind the fact that God has been in the ‘app’ business long before our modern day IT explosion. He supernaturally programmed five of them into us- ‘Taste and see that the LORD is good’; ‘Whoever sees me sees him who sent me’; ‘As many as touched it (the fringe of his garment) were made well’; ‘Let the sound of his praise be heard’; Mary took…pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus…the house was filled with the fragrance’. If only we had the good sense to use them in ways that honor him and bring glory to his name.
gagirllive on September 30, 2016 at 2:34 pm
Ohhh…love your insights, minkjh. Our 5 senses—built-in apps. Wow.
sandy229 on September 30, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Yeah, I also thought that was very cool 🙂