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What’s the point?
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about all the things in life he tried and found to be disappointing: the pursuit of knowledge, pleasure, and wealth. In the last chapter of Ecclesiastes he sums it all up: ‘Everything is meaningless’ (v.8 NIV). Most of us will, at some point, feel the same. When we chase things like money, fame, success, good grades, promotions, relationships, we can become disillusioned. We wonder why we’re here and what we should be doing, we end up asking ‘what’s the point?’ But Solomon carries on to say: ‘Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13 MSG). The words ‘fear God’ simply mean to respect, love, and serve Him, and live our lives according to what the Bible says is right. That is our purpose in life. The most important command is to love God. We’re called to: ‘Fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?’ (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NIV). When we chase things that aren’t our calling in life, or put priority on things that aren’t loving and following God, we can end up in that ‘what’s the point?’ situation. But when we’re doing what God’s asking us to do, we realise that we have a purpose here on Earth, and are empowered to keep going and not give up.
What Now?
When you wake each morning, pray this simple prayer: ‘Lord, above all else help me to spend this day loving You and carrying out Your will.’
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