ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Our Whole Obligation to God

Summing up his entire investigation, the congregator, Solomon says: "The conclusion of he matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man. For the true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether is is good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14) A wholesome fear of, or reverential regard for, our Grand Creator will protect us, and hopefully, our families from pursuing a foolhardy course of life that could bring untold trouble and sorrow upon us and our loved ones. The wholesome fear of Gd is pure and is the very beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Psalm 19:9; Proverbs 1:7) If we possess insight based on God's inspired Word and apply its counsel in all things, we will be fulfilling our "whole obligation" to God. No, it is not a matter of making a list of obligations. Rather, what is required is that we look to the Scriptures when resolving life's problems and always do things God's way.

We should realize that nothing escapes the notice of our Grand Creator. (Proverbs 15:3) He "will bring every sort of work into the judgment." Yes, the Most High will judge all things, including those hidden from human eyes. Awareness of such factors can serve as an incentive to observing God's commandment. But the greatest incentive should be love for our heavenly Father, for the apostle John wrote: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome." ( 1 John 5:3) And since God's commandments are designed to promote our lasting welfare, surely it is not only proper but also truly wise to observe them. This is not burden for lovers of the Grand Creator. They want to fulfill their obligation to him.


Next time: Fulfill Your Whole Obligation

Watchtower,1999