When I read this verse years ago, I asked myself, Could this be true? I thought the Bible was against pleasure and worldly things, but read this verse: Ecclesiastes 3:13, “Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”
When God gives you resources, if you don’t balance saving and giving with enjoying, you are missing this gift. When you work and risk and God allows you to enjoy some of the fruits of your labor—it’s His gift!
Should you go buy a boat? A plane? A jet ski? Yes, if that’s what you like and it’s within your means. Yes, if you are putting God first. Yes, if you are giving and being generous with your money.
I grew up playing piano. My dream has always been to buy a grand piano. In my early thirties, after having worked as a doctor for a few years, I splurged and bought one. I have enjoyed this piano immensely. I actually wrote a song on it for my then fiancé Joanne, and I proposed to her by singing that song. The same piano now sits in our living room, where our three children play on it. It is a full circle blessing, a gift from the Lord.
Another example from my life is a special evening I put together a few years ago when I hosted a culture night for family and close friends. It was a splurge, but it was great! I invited a string quartet to perform a private concert for about twenty of us. I even purchased some special French ham and had it delivered directly from France. It was about $200 to ship, but it was a hit. Even 10 years after the event, people still comment to me about that night.
Seth Godin said, “Don’t be boring.” I feel that too many times we are boring, simply too safe and uncreative with our money. We are hard working leaders and that is great, but sometimes we need to add spice into our lives.
What is your passion? What do you enjoy? If you are working hard, give yourself a goal or a milestone that makes you stop and smile. Take a breath and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
