Ecclesiastes 12:8, 12–14 (ESV) — 8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity. … . 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
NOTE: After spending almost 12 chapters describing the futility of life under the sun, the conclusion is twofold:
- Life lived under the sun, a belief that all there is the materialist world, is vanity and futility.
- Life lived above the sun, i.e., a belief in a creator, is to fear God and to keep his commandments (this is the WHOLE duty of man). God will judge everything someday.
If we believe God is the creator (however he chose to create), then we can also assume that he gave a user manual for how to live life to the fullest. The bible is that user manual. And to the extent we follow the user manual, will determine the quality of our life. And to the degree we ignore the user manual, will determine our frustrations and anger toward life.
PONDER:
- What is my belief, materialism or God?
- Is my life characterized by fulfillment or by frustration?
PRAYER: Father, you are the unseen God and yet you appeared in the flesh, in the form of a man, Jesus Christ. We have seen you, your character, your miracles, and your truth. The record was written down during a time when the eyewitnesses still lived. All the gospels and letters were also recorded during a time of eyewitnesses. Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by over 500 persons. The truth is out there, but it isn't aliens, it is you, God, who sought us to save us from our rebellion. Thank you!
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