Winston Churchill used to speak of a purpose “being worked out here below”, a transcendent purpose that is the point of our existence. Our purpose in the universe is, beyond anything else, to remember our Creator and alter our behavior accordingly (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
“The preacher sought to discover acceptable words and that, which was written was upright, even words of truth” (verse 10). Acceptable is the Hebrew “chephets”, meaning “delightful”. Truth here is the Hebrew word “emeth”, meaning “reliability” or “divine instruction”.
“…of making books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let’s hear the conclusion of the entire matter. Fear God and obey his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (verse 12-14)
The word “duty” is not in the original Hebrew. To stand in awe of God and keep his commandments, this is the whole human.
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15).
In a world that promotes anxiety through the process of conflicts and confrontation, it is always important to have peace individually. The peace of mind that is available through Christ is not simply a peace that keeps the mind quiet or inactive, but a peace that changes the quality of the mind and the direction of the thought patterns.
Is it evident that linking to the Father and focusing all of our attention on the kingdom has the automatic effect of reducing anxiety? This is a small part of the lesson of Martha and Mary.
What did Christ say? “…Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41). She was not just troubled about the household duties. The King James “careful” is the Greek word “merimnao”, meaning “anxious”. The King James word “troubled” is the Greek word “turbazo”, meaning “disturbed”. Christ let her know she was anxious and disturbed. Martha was willing to invite him into the house. But her service was from a sense of duty, not a genuine desire to give of herself. But Mary knew the importance of Christ’s visit and took full advantage of it (verse 42).
Hasn’t the same thing become a problem in today’s world? Actually it is worse in today’s world. It is easy to get into a routine that has developed into a sense of duty even when it was originally an inspiration to perform. When that situation develops, there is anxiety. We need to stop and become passively of aware of why we do what we do and yield to the Holy Spirit.
“But the comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, it shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, what ever I have told unto you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit exists as the comforter, the paracletos, the power of God. The Greek word “paracletos” means “called to one’s side”. It indicates the capability or adaptability for giving aid. The Spirit of God provides help as a comforter. God’s Holy Spirit is the presence of God (Psalms 51:11 and Psalms 139:7), which has the function of giving us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me” (John 14:1). The point of our existence is to be a part of Christ’s headquarters team. This will be a reality for us if we are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14). This is a description of someone who is an overcomer. Overcomers will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:26).
How can the called and chosen be faithful? It is difficult in today’s world because so many religious leaders teach their converts that they should be disobedient and lazy. The truth is we should obey God and do the works of God.
If you choose to obey God, there is a standard of conduct. It is written in stone. It is the Ten Commandments.
How Can We Bind the Commandments on Our Fingers?
Just as a parent is happy to give delightful gifts to their children, our Father is happy to give us gifts when we are ready. The ultimate reward that waits for us cannot be adequately conceived by the human mind.
Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the center of the mind of man the things that the Eternal has prepared for those who wait for him and love him (Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9).
Wily Elder, CBA, CMI
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