Ecclesiastes 12:13
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Dwell:
King Solomon, having experienced everything life had to offer, ultimately concluded that it was all meaningless—a fleeting vapor, here one moment and gone the next. Thus, he closes the book of Ecclesiastes by asserting that worship and obedience to God infuse our lives with purpose.
In reverent awe of God and in adherence to His commands, we discover the richness of existence. Despite our tendency to perceive God as a joy suppressor, the truth is quite the contrary. Our limited understanding fails to grasp the profound joy and fulfillment found in complete surrender to God. He offers more than our minds can fathom.
The essence of life lies in the glory of God. Our careers, relationships, and familial ties hold significance only when God's glory serves as their focal point. Therefore, dismissing life as meaningless with a cynical shrug is erroneous; its true significance emerges when God occupies the central position of every aspect of our lives.
Thought:
“So the picture is beginning to look like this: neither the world nor your own life is completely within your control. If you spend your whole life refusing to accept that the day of your death is approaching, if you live and work 24/7 thinking that by doing so you can get ahead of the game and have a better life by making money or that you can understand the world by getting the right degrees or reading the right books, or if you think you can really leave a lasting mark on the world through what you do, then you are spending your life trying to punch above your weight. We are creatures, not the creator, and the Preacher (In the book of Ecclesiastes) is out to shatter our illusion that we can be like God. We want to have it all, know it all, and be remembered by all for all time. No, says the Preacher, life is gift, not gain.” - David Gibson
Prayer:
Lord, may Your glory be the central focus of all aspects of my life—my work, my family, my friendships, and even my hobbies. Too often, I overlook these gifts from You, meant for my enjoyment and for me to excel in. Grant me the strength to always revere You and follow Your commandments. I aspire to excel in every facet of life, not for personal gain, but with the ultimate aim of bringing glory to Your name.
In Christ name, Amen