This is an adaptation from 10 Misconceptions of New Believers (http://christianity.about.com/od/newchristians/a/misconceptions.htm).

The Lord would like me to use Ecclesiastes to share the response for this myth. (I'll be using the New Living Translation here.)

The Teacher, King David's son speaks on a number of issues we experience in life. As one who has used his position and wisdom to explore all that life has to offer (good and bad), let us glean from his wisdom.

What qualifies him to teach us about life's experiences?

Well, as the wisest and probably the richest person on the earth, he spent his life seeking pleasure and wisdom. (As King, he could do what he wanted!) He took all that he wanted and did not restrain himself from any joy (2:10), but he considered it all meaningless and not worthwhile (2:11)...that's how he begins the book - by saying that everything is meaningless...utterly meaningless! (1:2)

Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 (NLT) - I said to myself, "Come on, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, "Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?"

What good does it do? There shouldn't be anything wrong with a little fun...right?! As relational beings (i.e. body, soul, and spirit), we have the desire to experience all the world has to offer through our senses, and yet Solomon considers it meaningless!

Solomon stated earlier that 'everything is so weary and tiresome! No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.' Doesn't this seem true?! One movie doesn't satisfy, even playing games with our friends...after the event is gone, we'll want more. But before he trashes the thoughts about pleasure, the times and seasons, and the reward of hard work, he concludes with this:

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NLT) - So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Whew! Well, before you start celebrating, there's a little more...hold on with me!

Throughout Ecclesiastes, I found a continuous cycle where he goes back and forth between meaningless and meaningful - addressing meaningless and futile issues of life and various ways to enjoy life - to the extend God has provided.

So, where do we go with this?!

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 (NLT) - Young people, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14 (NLT) - ...Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.