The Bottom Line
Today’s Verse:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ~Ecclesiastes 12:13
In mathematics, the complete addition of a set of numbers is known as the sum total. For instance, when we go shopping, the cashier will check in all the items we are purchasing, and after inputting the cost of each item, she will give us the sum total of our purchases. The sum total is also known as “the bottom line.” This morning, we want to consider the bottom line of the Christian life.
We see the disappointment.
Solomon is the author of Ecclesiastes. As he considered the cycle of life, he was discouraged at life’s vanities. He saw that accumulations, accomplishments, and acumen all amounted to vanity. He saw that the things men strived for in life were temporal and not eternal in nature. He realized that all things must come to an end. He was awakened to the fact that we should enjoy life and be careful of not getting caught up in the chase of things. His emphasis was that man should not spend his entire life chasing things that do not have an eternal value.
We see the demand.
Life demands that every man live his life for God’s glory. This is best fulfilled by having a proper fear of God. The fear of God is having a reverential awe and adoration of God. It is waking each day with the idea that my day is about what will glorify God. It is worshipping the God of glory with all our heart, soul, and mind. Fearing God is realizing that we must answer to God for the opportunities of life. The greatest opportunity every man has been given is to accept God’s free gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus. To neglect receiving Christ as Savior is soul neglect and despising of God’s goodness to us. The fear of God keeps everything in life in its right perspective.
We see the directive.
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is the outward display of our affection towards God. Obedience tells God that we love Him and His Word. It shows our complete respect for His Word and its eternal value for our life. Obedience demonstrates that we love God for Who He is and not for what we can get out of Him. Obedience is the pathway and key to a successful Christian life. Obedience is the means by which the joy of the Lord abounds in us. Obedience is the key that unlocks the door to answered prayer. We must obey God rather than men.
We see the duty.
Solomon said, “This is the whole duty of man.” He was saying that the bottom line about life is that we are to put God first and live for Him. Our basic thinking should be: “What does God think about this? Will God be glorified from this?” We were made to praise and honor the Lord. We are not saved to live for ourselves but for Him Who died and gave His life for us. The bottom line is that we must live for God.
Has life become complicated for you? Have you been living with mixed priorities and direction? Consider Solomon’s assessment in life summed up in one phrase: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” That’s the bottom line!
Have a duty-enriched God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Samuel 15-17