August 4, 2023: Remember Your Creator

"Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young, Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes, Before your vision dims and the world blurs And the winter years keep you close to the fire.  In old age, your body no longer serves you so well.
Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen. The shades are pulled down on the world. You can't come and go at will. Things grind to a halt. The hum of the household fades away.   You are wakened now by bird-song." (Ecc 12:1-4; The Message Bible)

When we are young, we do not understand these words though somehow we know they are important. When we are old, we understand them all too well, and we realize just how important they are. When we are young, we never dream or think about life being difficult or our bodies wearing out. When we are old, the reality of our text comes to life, and we long for the days of our youth, but they will not come.
    
Therefore the best thing we can do is to instruct youth to honor God and enjoy our Creator. Flee foolishness! Shun evil! Do good with all your heart! 
    
Listen to Solomon's words: "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." (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)