The End of the Matter

This morning we conclude our study through the book of Ecclesiastes as we consider Ecclesiastes 12:1-14. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes calls us to remember God before we grow old and die. Remembering God involves being continually mindful of God and consciously, intentionally having God shape your whole life. The Preacher then uses metaphorical and poetic language to paint vivid pictures of the decay and deterioration of life. Finally he writes, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). We can think about fearing God as having a reverential awe for God and keeping him in his proper place in our lives. This applies to every person. To fear God and obey his commands is to be truly human. As Don Carson notes, "Humans are made for God, and we become fully human in living according to his instruction."

We can seek to remember God, fearing him and keeping his commandments, by creating an intentional, conscious plan to keep God at the center of everything we do. Throughout church history this has been called "a rule of life." While Christians in the New Covenant are no longer bound to the Old Covenant Law, we can see the principle in the 10 Commandments and in the life of Jesus that it's good for God's people to regularly gather together for worship as they sing, pray, hearing the Scriptures read, receive teaching, and fellowship together. Another important aspect in our rule of life that we see modeled in the life of Jesus is a commitment to communal life. These commitments along with our unique combination of personal spiritual practices provide structure and direction for us to intentionally pay attention and remember God in everything we do. We remember God as we intentionally pursue him and form plans, habits, and rhythms to cultivate our love for him and others.