“If I could go back and live my life all over again, I would ________________.”
“What do I regret?” was one of my first thoughts. If I could re-live my life, what would I change so that I don’t live with regrets today?
The writer of Ecclesiastes had a long life, experienced all of life’s advantages, and God gave him great wisdom.
Now that the results of aging overtook his body and he reflected on his life, what’s his conclusion?
In Ecclesiastes 12:1, he describes the aging process. In verse one he tells those who are still young,
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.”
The aging process is further described in verses 2-8: eyesight dims, legs and shoulders get weak, the hearing starts to go, fears grow, and friends’ funerals are attended.
But at the end of a life lived weighing many proverbs, reading numerous books, and trying many forms of pleasure, what’s his conclusion? Life is meaningless, all is vanity, EXCEPT for two things!
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV
An ATTITUDE, “fear God” and an ACTION, “obey God” sum up the only things that truly make life meaningful.
Jesus said it just as succinctly,
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 ESV
If a young man or woman is reading this now, you will avoid a thousand regrets if you commit your life to this attitude and action.
First, have an awesome respect, a healthy fear, for your Almighty God and Creator and love His Son Jesus Christ with every fiber of your being.
Second, do what God tells you to do. The Bible, His written, inspired Word reveals His will. Take it seriously and do it.
Our Father, thank-you for the wisdom of your Word that shows us the real meaning of life. Thank-you for Your Son Jesus whom we love with all our being. By the power of your Spirit living in us we commit our lives to translating that love into obedience. Thank-you for your constant presence with us to give us courage and strength.
