In this post, we delve into the Book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon wrote several life lessons and mindsets that help us to better understand that faith is required for our walk with Christ—not just for the initial acceptance of Salvation, but also in helping us steer our focus off of ourselves and entirely on Jesus. Everything Up, Starts Down speaks to the many things in life that first start from a lowly, humble place before it’s ever exalted by God. May we place our thoughts on the fact that faith is only proven by God and not principles and systems that we so heavily rely on.
Examples of Life/Spiritual Principles that Reflect that Everything Up, Starts Down First:
Greatness = Servanthood
Receiving = Starts with Giving
Choosing Faith = Eliminating Fear
Positive Perspective = Overcoming Negativity
Nobility = Responding to Evil with Good
Being Forgiven = Forgiving Others
Getting Mercy = Giving Mercy
To Live = To die to your Flesh daily, righteously
To Gain your Life = To Lose your Life
Patience = Trying/testing of your Faith
To Have Friends = Show Yourself Friendly
To Love Your Neighbor = Love Yourself
Rule Over Much = Faithful Over a Few
To Reign with Christ = Suffer with Christ
Other Great Life Principles to Live By from the Bible
“Two Are Better Than One; One chaseth 1,000 but Two chaseth 10,000.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“The end of the matter is better than the beginning.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” — Proverbs 13:11
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” — Proverbs 27:6
“Better one handful with tranquility than two hands with toil + chasing the wind.” — Ecclesiastes 4
Ending Note
Overall, as we can see from the Book of Ecclesiastes, so much of what we seek or go after requires a great level of submission, faithfulness, and humility that isn’t often talked about. In the New Testament, we’re called to “think of others more highly than ourselves”—which is very “Anti-culture”. In culture, it amplifies a huge focus on self-love, extreme boundaries, low-maintenance relationships/situations, and doing everything for results. However, “Everything Up, Starts Down” reflects that our heart posture should be foundational and ground-leveled in complete obedience to God and what He’s called us to do and be in this world.
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