Life "coram Deo" (before the face of God) must be lived "soli Deo gloria" (for the glory of God alone). The good and great Creator has made us for His glory and honor.
And how do we glorify God? We glorify God, as the Children Catechism says, by loving Him and obeying His commands. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, says the wise man (Prov. 1:7). It is the foundation of wisdom. The psalmist says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14).
Keeping God's commandments is the result of living in the fear of the Lord. It is man's loving and reverent response to God who not only gave him life but also new life in Christ.
The fear of the Lord leads to obedience to God's revealed will in Scripture. Without the fear of God, life is meaningless and vain, a chasing after the wind.
Many people have lived and died in this world. Just a year ago, a friend and a fellow pastor died. He served the Lord well and have blessed many.
However, no one has ever surpassed the life "par excellence" and power of one man - not even the ones who preceded or succeeded Him. He exemplified the life of love and reverence to God.
This man is Christ Jesus. He is not just an extraordinary man. He is also God - God who became man and lived among men. He lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death for the sake of God's people and for their redemption. Those who believe in Him has eternal life.
My father had lived for 75 years (not 74 years as I thought at first). He died believing our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His last three years on earth was lived pursuing the life of a true believer of Jesus.
I've seen him reading his Bible morning and evening and singing the praises of God before and after his Bible reading. He got converted towards the end of his life on earth.
He was a changed man. If he were alive I'm sure he would love to live for His Lord singing more of the praises of God his Father and of his loving Savior Jesus Christ, the God-man, who gave joy and meaning to his life.
Christ does give meaning and purpose to anyone who believes and follows Him. Life doesn't have to be hollow and meaningless. But apart from and without God who created us and gives us life, life itself is vain.
May the meaning and joy of life that we find in Christ lead us to reverent fear and loving obedience to God through His Son by the power of His Spirit!
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