Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
King Solomon spent much of his life searching for meaning and fulfillment of purpose. He sought (and acquired) nearly everything the world deems to be life’s aim. He gained wealth, possessions, pleasure, popularity, prestige, education, and accomplishments, yet concluded “vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2).
After explaining several things that did not bring fulfillment, Solomon, by inspiration, ended Ecclesiastes by stating what does. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter,” he said.
Life is not about gaining earthly wealth, fame, or prestige, although such may not be wrong. Life’s meaning goes deeper than being a good spouse, parent, or neighbor, although these things result from fulfilling one’s purpose in life.
At its core, life is about glorifying and pleasing God.
There’s a “hole” inside of us that only God can fill. There is a longing for fulfillment that is satisfied by serving Him. May we heed the wisdom offered us by the Holy Spirit and “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
– Michael Hickox