The Vanity of Wasting the Gifts of God

Downloadable Reflection Guide

Ecclesiastes 12:8, 13-14

8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

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.

 

“Fear God and keep his commandments.” What a perfect way to draw our reflection upon Ecclesiastes to a conclusion. There will always be more to learn, more to experience, and more to do, yet in the end, when all is said and done, when our lives have been lived to their full, our ultimate response to the grace of  God ought to be this, to “Fear God and keep his commandments.”

Solomon reminds us that this is our whole duty as sons and daughters of the King. In our sinfulness, we might desire that our own personal interests would take precedence, but we know that they cannot if they do not align with God’s desires for us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18, Paul instructs Christ’s followers that we are to “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice    always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Further, we recall the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Thus we know that while life in this sinful world will not be easy, God in His faithfulness will be with us along the path.

Verse 14 of Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us that “God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Keep in mind that we are seen by God through the lens of the blood of Christ, therefore the good and evil seen in our lives are reflective of that reality. Still, we are called to obedience in all things despite, and even because of, the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts for Reflection

How does the grace of God seen in the cross of Christ, give you confidence to live a life in the fear of God and the keeping of His commandments?