The Whole Duty Of Man
Tuesday, October 13
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NKJV)
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
Devotion
After everything Solomon observed about life under the sun, he landed on this one simple summary: The fear of the Lord is not terror that pushes us away but a reverence that keeps us close and aligned with who God is.
In the sermon, Pastor Franklin reminded us that King Saul began with humility and showed promise, but he lost this healthy fear and ended up fearing people, giants, and circumstances more than the God who had anointed him.
When the fear of the Lord is present, it becomes the beginning of wisdom for our lives. It’s the guide for right choices and the strength that helps us to run from being entangled in evil. Wisdom is what keeps us from treating God casually, what sobers us in moments when we could fall into compromise, and what prepares us to stand before Him one day.
This is not just an Old Testament idea; it is the whole duty of every person who belongs to Him, whether young or old, baby Christian or seasoned.
The hard truth is that you can know the language of faith, sit in church for years, and still end up like Saul. You can start well but finish far from God if the fear of the Lord is missing.
Today, ask the Lord to restore or deepen a genuine fear of Him in your heart so that your life reflects the conclusion Solomon reached: fear God and keep His commandments. Anything less is not just incomplete; it is dangerous.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I return to You. Forgive me for treating the sacred things of Your Kingdom lightly and as ordinary. I repent and set my face toward You. Teach me to fear You in reverence and awe. I ask You to restore to me the joy of my salvation. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
King Saul’s life is a sobering lesson to anyone called by God’s name. One way to maintain the fear of the Lord in true reverence is through a grateful heart in praise and worship. It puts Him in His rightful place as Lord of our lives. Come to Him often to honor and love Him with all your heart.
Resources
- Missed the message? Take a moment to watch “Keys to Living the Right Life.” Be encouraged and reminded of the importance of making choices that honor God and align with His Word.
- Take a moment to worship the Lord with a grateful heart. Honor Him for who He is, give Him the praise He deserves, and let your worship reflect the reverence, love, and devotion He deserves. Standing On Holy Ground.