Ecclesiastes is a challenging book to read and understand, but near the end of the book the author gives us the key when he evaluates the thoughts of the Teacher that make up the bulk of the book. He reminds us to live with wisdom while also encouraging us to trust God as we make our way through an earthly life that is often unpredictable and uncontrollable. That lesson gets applied to Ecclesiastes’ view of our work and labor as well. It reminds us that we are called to engage responsibly and productively with our work, while also trusting God for the results and not asking our job to provide things it was never intended to provide (like the basis of our identity and worth). 

Our relationships help determine the direction and quality of our lives, but influence in relationships can go both ways. In the story of Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple from the first century, we can learn valuable lessons about how we can have a positive impact in the lives of those who matter most to us. First, we can make an impact in their lives by giving them our time, energy, and attention. But to do this well we have to make intentional choices to engage well and not just go with decisions that seem easy. Second, to make an impact in their lives at times we will need to have the courage to confront and correct them. When we do that we do well to remember we should do it privately and we always need to check our motives, making sure that we truly have their best interest at heart.