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

The writer of Ecclesiastes, who is believed to be Solomon, explores the meaning of living from the perspective of his life being largely behind him. In kind of a life review he assess what man really gains from his pursuits and accomplishments. Mankind labors for better, bigger, brighter things, but ultimately the ticking of time and hearts of wickedness hamper man’s attempts of changing his destiny. So much so that Solomon’s wisdom concludes it all to be “meaningless” as “a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV).

By the time Solomon gets to the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes he is ready to answer the question of man’s purpose despite a life held in check by the circumstances of a sin fallen world. Our purpose, as found in this verse, is to keep God’s commandments. Simply put, our one task of life is to believe, follow, and give glory to God by doing what He commands.

Everything outside of following God’s commandments is limited in its eternal impact on our life. It is God’s unchangeable law that stands as the eternal guide for character development which will ultimately lead us towards our citizenship in Heaven.