The Duty of All Mankind

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 “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. For God will bring every deed into judgment,  including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

It is amazing how God can bring sunshine after a cloudy and rainy day. The book of Ecclesiastes is no exception. It seems to start with a pessimistic and discouraging outlook on life but chapter 12, ends on a positive note.

The last two verses provide the essence of the whole book. To fear God and keep his commandments is “the duty of all mankind.” The fear of God is the hatred of all that is evil (Proverbs 8: 13). When you hate evil/sin, you hate what God hates and it will lead you to love what He loves. Fearing God is having reverence and awe of who he is. When you know who God is, you cannot help but give him the honor, worship, praise, and worthiness he deserves. You will honor him with your life and do everything in your power to please him and no one else.

Solomon also ends with obedience. Obedience is a characteristic of a believer. Anyone who professes faith in God does not qualify to have faith without obedience. You cannot have one without the other. Faith in God manifests itself in obedience to his will. Abraham believed in God and he demonstrated his faith through his obedience. And it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15: 6).

God is the righteous judge and the dispenser of fairness. He will judge all of us according to our deeds; good or bad. Therefore, before you leap, LOOK! Be mindful of the consequences of any action you will take before you make a decision to do it. God gives us the prerogative of choice but not the prerogative of the consequence of the choice. You can only manage what you can control.

May God help us today to live a life pleasing to Him, align ourselves to what is consistent with his will, and do everything we do in honor of His Mighty Name.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!