There are few words in human life that carry as much weight as those found in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Ecclesiastes. King Solomon, known for his immense wisdom and wealth, reached a point in his life where he reflected deeply on everything he had achieved.

He wrote, “When I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, I found everything to be meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

These were not the words of someone speaking without understanding, but of a man who had experienced life to its fullest. He had tried everything and came to the realization that many of the things people pursue are temporary and lack lasting significance.

In everyday life, many people are seen chasing after things that appear important, yet time eventually changes everything. A clear example can be seen in the story of two individuals: one was an employer who dismissed a colleague from work, denying him the opportunity to live a better life.

At the time, the one in power felt superior, confident in his position and authority. However, as time passed, circumstances changed. The former employer lost his job due to irresponsible behavior, including alcoholism, and struggled to find another opportunity.

Meanwhile, the person he once looked down upon found a good job and prospered. Eventually, the former employer reached a point where he wished the same person he had mistreated could help him find work and lift him out of extreme poverty. This illustrates how life can change and why no one should assume their current position will last forever.

Today, a person may believe they are strong, successful, and secure, but nothing is permanent. Opportunities, status, and power all have their time.

When someone is given a chance to be in a good position, the most important thing is not pride, but planting goodness in the lives of others. That is what leaves a lasting legacy, because when everything else is gone, what remains is what was invested in people.

Many of the things that cause anxiety—poverty, illness, humiliation, and competition—are often temporary. Some people lose their peace, sleep, and joy chasing after things that will soon fade. When we reflect on this, we see clearly what Solomon meant: it is all like chasing after the wind.

Consider the journey of education. A child begins in nursery school, progresses through primary and secondary education, then attends university and may even pursue a master’s degree.

They may spend over twenty years studying a particular field, such as finance, only for life to take an unexpected turn, leading them into a completely different profession, such as construction. This shows how even the things we value most can change and lose the importance we once gave them.

The same applies to human relationships. Some people take others to court over temporary matters such as jobs or wealth. As time goes on and they grow older, those same issues lose their value. In some cases, their families later reconnect in unexpected ways, such as through the marriage of their children or grandchildren. At that point, one is left to wonder whether those past conflicts were ever worth it.

The answer to not chasing after the wind lies in honoring God and doing good. When a person works to build others, they are also building themselves. But when someone focuses only on personal gain and forgets others, they eventually fall.

The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself. These principles form the foundation of a meaningful life.

Furthermore, what we do today has consequences for future generations. The good we sow is what our children will reap, and the same is true for the wrong we do. Even if some ignore this truth, life is ultimately meant to be grounded in doing good and honoring God.

A practical example shared illustrates the difference between temporary and lasting value. A man preparing for his wedding was advised by Pastor Gisanura to spend less on the ceremony and instead invest in land. He followed the advice and purchased land in Rusororo. Today, that land holds far greater value than what would have been spent on a one-day celebration.

This example highlights the importance of making wise choices, thinking long-term, and avoiding the trap of chasing temporary pleasures.

In concluding his message, Pastor Christian Gisanura emphasized that life is a journey with an end. Much of what people chase after will eventually fade away, but good deeds, love for God, and love for others will endure.

When a person lives according to God’s calling and commits to building others, they are no longer chasing after the wind. Instead, they are walking in a life of purpose and a future filled with hope.