Meaning

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)

This verse is a summary of the meaning of life. We tend to think of fear as a negative thing, but it ain't necessarily so. A child should fear to displease their loving parent, who wants what's best for them; similarly, we should fear to displease our loving heavenly Father.

How do we honour our Father in heaven? By keeping His commandments. What are His commandments? To love Him and to love one another.

Fear and love might seem incompatible. Basically the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom that should drive us to Him. Then the love of God drives out fear.

The duty of mankind in another way of putting it is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. God isn't a killjoy who wants us cowering from Him in terror. He's a loving heavenly Father who wants what's best for us.

'Father God, please help us to fear and to obey You, and so to find the meaning of life. For Your glory we pray, amen'

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