Bible Passage: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Despite the stereotype of men being prone to action and wanting to be prepared and ready to respond to the needs of the moment (a stereotype that exists for a reason), we also want to be (and be known as) wise, considerate, thoughtful, and deliberate.
Driven by the desire to succeed, we often retrace our steps, reflecting on actions taken, steps forward and back, evaluating the factors that may have led to success or failure.
As Ecclesiastes comes to a close, the Teacher, having explored the complexities of life in our broken and fallen world, reaches his conclusion. Though he invites us to enjoy the work of our hands, to celebrate the opportunities we are given by working hard at them, and to eat, drink, and be merry, the Teacher’s conclusion rises above all of these ideas:
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Endowed with wisdom, born into power, inheriting and earning riches beyond what most of us can imagine, the Teacher concludes that the purpose of life, what defines success and a life well-lived, and what we must conclude characterizes true masculinity, is devotion to God—reverence and faithful obedience.
Men, we are creatures of our great Creator. With the entrance of sin into our world, our connection to Him was fractured. Adam and Eve decided to be the masters of their destiny and the paths toward it, and everyone since them (every last one of us) has had to struggle with the fallout of their decision and face that very decision ourselves.
Now, the call to a successful life, to the ability to look back over our days and be satisfied, rests on whether or not we revert to being submissive creatures of our loving Creator.
Ecclesiastes leaves us asking if we are guided by the authority of God. Do we allow His character, design, and reign to direct our pursuits? Do the attributes of His Kingdom, and our citizenship in it, shape our character? Do the darkest of nights and the brightest of days still find us humbly accepting that we are mere clay in the hands of a Potter who is beyond our reach, but also nearer than we could ask?
According to the Teacher, defining ourselves by our relationship with God is the measure of a man’s true success.
Prayer: Maker and Ruler of Heaven and earth, I recognize Your power and authority. You are worthy of my submission both for who You are and what You have done in my life and in redeeming the world. Forgive me for my pride in the times I have taken control over my own life. Help me to deliberately and actively submit to You. Amen.
Reflection: Is your life ultimately shaped by God’s authority or by your own desires? Is there a space you have assumed authority over that you need to surrender? What does that surrender look like today?
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