What Did We Bring, And What Can We Take With Us?
1 Timothy 6
KJV
7+ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out
What did we bring and what can we take with us; both have a simple answer! Nothing. If this is the case then what manner of persons should we be? Here is where we have the challenge and the difficulty.
Read what one man who bore witness to this truth said;
Job 1
KJV
21+ And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
This is a profound admission of the futility of trying to act as if one can take something away. Furthermore, the reality of this truth comes to life when we attend the funerals of men and women of substance.
No matter how elaborate and expensive everything done is, the fact remains the same; they take nothing along!
Interestingly, some have misinterpreted this to mean that poverty is a virtue, so they disdain riches.
Well, like everything in life we must each make a choice, to be poor or rich is a choice. I admit that this statement is debatable! Some factors and preconditions decide which is which.
Anyway, so we ask, of what use then are the riches we come by while we live? Does it mean we should not acquire anything just because we shall not take them with us?
Admittedly there are some statements which if not studied carefully will seek to create the impression that it is useless to acquire anything in life.
Read this
Ecclesiastes 5
KJV
15+ As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Psalms 49
KJV
17+ For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Is God therefore against our labor? Is He against enjoyment? Surely God is not against our enjoying whatever we have gained through our labor.
Read what Paul wrote ;
1 Timothy 6
KJV
17+ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Simply put, God blesses us with riches to be enjoyed but not selfishly! So, yes we brought nothing and will take nothing out, but while here let us enjoy whatever we have acquired. Just that we “ should remember the poor”.
So dress well, but remember to help clothe your neighbor who needs clothing. Yes eat good food, but remember to provide the disadvantage with some. Whatever you do let it trickle down to the man on the street.
Solomon summed up the above in these words; He was satisfied with the returns ( investments) of his labor; these empowered him financially hence he denied himself of nothing!
Please read the following to understand and not to judge; We see this in real life, people whose “returns on their investments” ( labor) are high enough do buy cars of their choice and build houses etc, 👇
Ecclesiastes 2
KJV
10+ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
Ecclesiastes 3
KJV
22+ Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Enjoy some of what you’ve toiled for, “for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”
Ecclesiastes 2
KJV
24+ There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Pay attention to this “that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.” (In his labor, His toil etc !) Key Word is “ labour”
Ecclesiastes 3
KJV
12+ I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13+ And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
22+ Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Ecclesiastes 8
KJV
15+ Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 5
KJV
18+ Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Time and space will fail me, this is sufficient to establish the fact that we must labor and enjoy the fruits thereof! For we shall certainly not take anything with us.
Whatever you do people will talk about you, if you are poor or rich they will talk about you, do not let this prevent you from enjoying whatever God has blessed you with through your labor.
Wiasè mû nià wabrè nà odiè! (Twi) Onyè otsû onyè oyè ( Ga)
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