July 31, 2014

In the end...what really matters?

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear GodAnd keep His commandments,For this is the whole man.For God will bring every work into judgment,Including everything that has been overlooked,Whether it be good or evil.

Personal Challenge...

Here we have the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, looking back on his life of great wealth and diverse experiences, articulating that which is truly important. Fearing God, loving and respecting Him, and obeying His commandments. In his opinion these are the most important things that we can do in our lives. The commandments that we are to follow are to love our God and to love our neighbor. All life, all righteous behavior, can be found in these two commandments. But one of the important aspects that this passage points out is that we are not only held accountable for how we loved our neighbor, but also for the times that we overlooked as loving our neighbor. This is just as bad as doing or saying bad things to others. Have I neglected to say a kind word to someone in my life? Have I looked the other way when someone was in need? Have I kept more for myself when I could have shared with another? These sins of omission are just as bad as sins of commission. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!