What It All Boils Down To

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

The President comes across the screen of our televisions and begins his speech. He addresses the concerns and needs of America. So many times I get lost in the wording of it all. The swelling adjectives and over emphasized wording can confuse us and we could miss the point. Don't you just want to yell at the television and say, "Get to the point! What does all this boil down to?"

Then you go over to the news broadcasts about his address in hopes of a simpler explanation. There it is again... wording and jargon. Endless questions and never a clear answer. Seems like a bunch of ideas have been thrown into a pot and people just continue to stir and stir. We have to wait until it all boils down in order to see what it really is. Many ideas have started out with high hopes, but then as it has boiled down... Well, we had to throw it out.

What we desire as people is to know what's expected of us and what we need to do. It's really that simple. We want to understand our value and position in this life. We have a strong urge to find out where we fit in and what our mission in life is. What does our lives boil down to? What does God desire of my life? Now that I am a Christian, what should I be doing?

God gives us, through the preacher of Ecclesiastes, the conclusion of the matter. He brings everything to a boil. We should... Fear God! This means to reverence Him, not be scared of Him. To honor and respect Him in every action and decision we make. Second, keep His commandments. When we keep the commandments of God we show Him, and mainly others, that we love the Lord. This is the whole duty of man! Did you hear that? He has plainly pointed out our duty, calling and purpose. What should we expect of God? That He will bring every work into judgment. Every secret thing will be brought to light, whether it be good or evil, God will judge every work.

So it all boils down simply doesn't it? Love, Honor and Serve God and be ready to give an account for it all. Remember now, this will be the conclusion of every man and woman.