The Better Ways of God- Part 3

Today we continue our series on the better ways of God. We’re looking at the word better in the Bible to understand God’s view of things and how it is better than ours.

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. Ecclesiastes 2:24 (KJV)

We see here that God gives us work to do to bring us enjoyment. Accomplishment brings a sense of satisfaction that is better than lying around doing nothing. God expects us to enjoy life. All aspects of our lives can be enjoyed, and life is better when we do. Sinful man tries to find his enjoyment in sinful pursuits and has convinced himself that leisure and pleasure are better than everything else, but those who live for God can truly enjoy life, including work.

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 3:22 (KJV)

This reinforces our previous verse that says that work is a good thing, and life is better when we enjoy our labor.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Philippians 1:23 (KJV)

Paul tells us in Philippians that being with Christ is better than staying on earth with man. When a believer comes to the end of their assignment on earth, we must be willing to let them go because it will be better for them to be with the Lord. This also reminds and encourages us that this life pales in comparison with the one we will experience in eternity.

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Matthew 18:8-9 (KJV)

While this is speaking figuratively, not literally, it shows us that it is better to let go of some things than to be cast into hell. God does not want people cutting off appendages or plucking out an eye. However, whatever leads to sin must be removed from our lives. Living right is always better than living in sin. It pays off now and in the life to come.

Tomorrow we’ll wrap up our series and conclude our discussion on the better ways of God.