How we live matters… Deeply.

It matters so much it has eternal ramifications. What we do really truly matters.

I have always loved the book of Ecclesiastes because it has such a simple way of putting life into perspective. “Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless” is a common refrain throughout the book. Lovely, right? How encouraging and uplifting. I don’t like the book for its positive effects; I appreciate it for it’s word of caution. I often find myself reading through Ecclesiastes on my birthday, helping me to remember how easy it would be for me to waste my life… Afterall, who wants to live a meaningless life?  Not I!

The Hebrew word (hbl) that’s translated as “Meaningless” is a word that more literally means “vapor, breath, vanity.” I don’t want my life to be as significant as my breath on a cold morning.  I want to build on a foundation that is secure and enduring. Thankfully, the author of Ecclesiastes wants the same for me, and he urges his readers thus, (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14)

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…. 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.

I choose to build on God’s revealed Word, for it is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God given to man. By it we discover who God is, who we are, what God has done, what He is going to do, and what He expects of us.  Holy Scripture is the only sure foundation that I trust to build on. This doesn’t mean it’s the only book I read or consider, but it means all others are measured by that Book.

If God has spoken, I want to make sure to listen.  As this blog gets under way, I hope you’ll listen along with me…