THURSDAY: IT’S NOT OVER!

Oct 27, 2022
2 min read

Lord, when I start thinking too hard, I get myself into trouble. I desire for You to lead my thoughts, motives, and actions, so I glorify You in all things.

Ecclesiastes 7:15-19

In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.

If I’m overrighteous, then I claim to have righteousness from my own merit. That’s not holy righteousness at all—that’s self-righteousness. It is true that if I live my life for myself, I’ll drown in my own self-righteousness.

If I’m overwise, then the earthly wisdom I’m relying on will be to my detriment. If I think I need to add anything to what God has provided, then I am considering myself wiser than God.

If I’m overwicked, then I’ve allowed my sin to consume my heart, my thoughts, and my life. This state of mind and behavior threaten my ability to commune with God.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: Solomon is stating something I should memorize and retain: Stop trying so hard; this life is not about me. The more I try to excel on my own terms, the further I am away from God and the life He has for me.

Being overrighteous and overwicked have similar characteristics: They both are outside God’s will for my life. If I find myself stressed because of all of the righteous acts I want to do for God, I should ask how many of these things He actually gave me to do. If I find myself stressed because of the revenge I want to take out on others, I should ask if this is how God wants me to act.

The truth is God has called me to a simple life: Seek Him first, and He will guide the way. If I try to add to these instructions, I’m bound to find trouble and stress and will find myself in many hopeless situations. This isn’t what I want, and it’s definitely not what the Lord wants for me.

Lord, please lead me to Your way of managing my desires. Please help me understand the simple solution to my life by following You and help me get “over” being overrighteous, overwise, and overwicked.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman