The Purpose of Man

The Bible answers so many of the questions of life; where we came from, where we are going, and even why are we here.  A great place to get some of these answers is in the Old Testament, book of Ecclesiastes.  This book is written by king Solomon, son of king David.  Solomon had pleased the Lord in his willingness to follow in the footsteps of his father; so God asked Solomon what he would like, take his choice (I Kings 3).  Solomon passed up riches and long life and asked for wisdom, a discerning mind.  God was so pleased at his choice that he gave him all of the above.  In Solomon's wisdom, he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, of which we are the beneficiaries. 

Much of the book of Ecclesiastes is dedicated to telling the reader what is wise, what is profitable, and what is vain (useless).  Note in chapter 12, the writer tells us: "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'...and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.  Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity."  The message here is that we should not wait until life is gone to serve our Lord.  He is the one who will save us.

He concludes the book with these words, which tell us what we are actually here on earth for:  "The end of the matter; all has been heard.  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."  Our duty then is spelled out here, to fear God and keep His commandments.  And we see all through the Bible the charge to keep His commandments.  We are to love Him.....but we also are to obey Him.  That is often hard to do, but is what we are supposed to do. 

Thanks for reading again.  Have a great week!