“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

Out of matter arose life; out of life arose mind then followed heart and soul and love although not necessarily in that particular order.  What a sad state of affairs should we have no profound interest that would demand our attention.  Fear God… in other words be in awe of, be in reverence of God our maker.  This verse is not unlike an epilogue to any book, reflecting on the whole of the contents, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion…”

“…the whole duty of man.”  My attention is drawn to the cells that comprise our being.  At first inspection an individual cell may be isolated and studied.  However, a cell does not stand alone and is dependent on a multiplicity of cells to create a complete being.  Thus the whole duty of man, every thought, idea, motive, every cell is to be in admiration and wonderment of God.

Am I living my life to its fullest meaning?  Am I content and happy, absent of anger?  Do I practice spiritual discipline?  Do I have compassion for man?  Am I non-coveting of all things?  Do I worship the one and only God?  If I am able to answer yes, in honesty, to these questions then I am living my life in completeness.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

We must prefer God before ourselves seeking glory for Him, not for ourselves.  The great, great Billy Graham said, “If anything has been accomplished through my life, it has been solely God’s doing, not mine, and He – not I – must get the credit.”

LORD, keep my heart turned toward the MASTER; keep my actions in line with my heart.  Keep my face turned toward YOU.  Give me the wherewithal to keep Satan’s graffiti at bay.  In JESUS name I pray, Amen.