The End of the Matter

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV).

I suppose that I am just like any other guy. I’m fascinated by the latest tech (though I seldom get it). I can get completely wrapped up in binge watching Netflix. I like to watch the occasional sporting event.

I work hard. I deserve some downtime to relax. Right?

I grew up in church. I’ve been a Christ-follower for 34 years this Sunday. I volunteer at the church reading scripture, running sound and playing bass in the band. I publish a blog post every weekday. I suppose that I’ve made a difference in a few people’s lives.

Paul made a list of some of the thinks that he did (Philippians 3:4-6), although his list is substantially more impressive than mine! But after all of the things that, in the eyes of the religious world, made him worthy of Heaven, Paul came to the same conclusion that Solomon did in Ecclesiastes 12:13: None of that stuff matters.

What does matter? Paul tells us in Philippians 3:7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (ESV).

I often disregard the reality that, in the grand scheme of things, the only thing that matters is knowing Jesus. I so often put everything else before Him. I’m keeping busy, but I’m not about His business.

There should be nothing more important in my life than Him. Paul continued, “…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:9-10 ESV emphasis mine).

When it’s all been said and done, where do our treasures lie?

Blessings on your weekend!