Ecclesiastes 12:13

¹³ 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.         

The original purpose of building a garage is to house motor vehicles. Do you park your vehicle in your garage? Creative individuals don’t exclusively utilize garage for its original purpose. To maximize space in the garage, other household items are stored in the garage. Artists use garage as personal art studio, gardeners keep garden tools and paraphernalia in their garage, and garage is most often used as carpenter shop and blacksmith shop.

Interestingly, the wisest king of Israel King Solomon declares that to “fear God and keep his commandments” are the duties of all mankind. The term “duties” can be properly interpreted as “purpose.” Humankinds are created to “fear God and keep his commandments.” Such purpose for mankind is oppressive to the unbelieving mindset. Why? It says in Genesis 6:5, ⁵The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 

Righteousness is opposed to the inclination of the natural human heart and mindset. The commandments of God are godly instructions for righteous lifestyle. Everything that comes from God is good. It says in James 1:17, ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Genuine believers can discern that “fear of God and obedience to his word” are good and perfect gifts to all who obey him. The Holy Spirit of Christ in us, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation inspires us to obey God. He inspires us to trust that God had included blessings in his commandments so that we gladly obey him without reluctance. Reverent fear of God is best exhibited in spontaneous and cheerful obedience to him.

Lord Jesus, help me gladly obey you.

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