Overview:
Ecclesiastes 11:1–6
Interestingly, the older we get the more cautious we become. With deliberate and careful concern, we study before we step, we ponder before we leap, we hesitate before we move out into the open. If we’re not careful, we replace the risks of faith with a methodical, almost tedious lifestyle that borders on boredom. But is that what God wants of us? Must growing old be synonymous with an overly cautious mentality? Not if we take to heart these first six verses in Ecclesiastes 11! You may be surprised to discover that the God of Scripture condones what would be called today a “bullish” approach to living . . . a bold, aggressive investment of our lives that has eternal value. Perhaps the best way to paraphrase these verses would be the five-word command, “Stop existing, and start living!”
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses a common tendency as we age: becoming overly cautious. While careful consideration is often wise, a lifestyle dominated by hesitation can lead to a tedious existence that avoids the necessary risks of faith. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, Chuck argues that the God of Scripture actually condones what we might call a “bullish” approach to life—one characterized by bold, aggressive investments that yield eternal value.
Rather than merely existing, Solomon exhorts us to start truly living by stepping out in faith despite life’s uncertainties. This sermon challenges believers to move beyond a “play it safe” mentality and instead embrace a proactive, adventurous walk with God. By doing so, we ensure that our lives aren’t just spent, but invested in things that matter for eternity.
Message Key Facts:
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The Trap of Over-Caution: Chuck discusses how age often brings a methodical lifestyle that borders on boredom, replacing the adventurous nature of faith with “studied steps.”
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Bold Investment: The sermon explores the metaphor of “casting your bread on the waters,” illustrating that generous, bold living often brings returns in ways we cannot predict.
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Living Despite Uncertainty: Solomon’s wisdom teaches that if we wait for perfect conditions (like the perfect wind or clouds), we will never sow or reap. Faith requires action in the face of the unknown.
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Stop Existing, Start Living: The central takeaway is a five-word command to stop coasting through life and start engaging with it aggressively for God’s glory.
Message References:
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Ecclesiastes 11:1–6: The core passage encouraging bold living, diverse investment, and hard work despite an unpredictable future.
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2 Corinthians 5:7: A supporting New Testament principle of “walking by faith, not by sight.”
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Hebrews 11:1: Defining faith as the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” reinforcing the call to take risks.
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Matthew 25:14–30: The Parable of the Talents is used to contrast the reward of the “bullish” servants with the condemnation of the cautious, fearful one.
