Do you feel empty even after a great success? (144-1)

Christian leaders sometimes get caught in the trap of seeking success separate from a growing relationship with God but sooner or later they reach the conclusion that humanism and materialism provide incomplete counsel for decision making and life goals. Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

As we start into a new book of the Bible it is wise to get an overview of the book’s content and the leadership principles it contains. The book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon of Israel. It was written approximately 950 years before Jesus was born. Even today, as historians look at human history, Solomon is recognized as the wisest, richest, and one of the most powerful men to have led any nation. The nation experienced almost complete peace during his 40-year reign as king and leaders of other powerful nations came from great distances just to sit under his teaching. Solomon’s leadership knew success at a level most of us will never experience. His discoveries concerning sources of fulfillment are addressed in the book of Ecclesiastes.

The central theme of Ecclesiastes focuses on the meaning of life, motives for behavior, and where God fits into a leader’s personal mission. The tone of Ecclesiastes displays an overriding pessimism that consumes a leader when they succeed devoid of a divine mission.

The book deals with motives. Solomon testifies from personal experience that when goals are pursued as an end in themselves they lead to dissatisfaction and emptiness.

The book of Ecclesiastes helps leaders answer the question of how God fits into their leadership and personal mission. The leadership principles in the book of Ecclesiastes will help leaders figure out who am I, what are my values, where am I trying to go, and why am I trying to lead others.

Have you felt an empty feeling concerning personal fulfillment even after a great success? Have you experienced how temporary the euphoria after a major milestone is reached? Have you wondered what it would take to make you feel you had truly accomplished something lasting? Leaders searching for answers to these questions will devour the book of Ecclesiastes.