How can Ecclesiastes 9:5 motivate us to live purposefully for God's glory? Facing the Certainty of Death Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.” • Scripture states plainly—death is unavoidable. • Knowing death is certain presses us to evaluate the short window God gives us on earth. • Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.” Counting our days leads to wise, purposeful living. Grasping the Irreversibility of Lost Opportunity • Once life ends, earthly opportunities to honor God cease. • Hebrews 9:27: “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.” • Understanding that “the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) eliminates the illusion that we can delay obedience or ministry. Redeeming the Present Moment Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Practical ways to “redeem the time”: • Begin each day with Scripture intake, shaping plans by God’s revealed will. • Prioritize relationships—share the gospel, encourage believers, reconcile quickly. • Invest talents and resources in kingdom work rather than temporary comforts. Rejecting Vanity, Choosing Purpose • Ecclesiastes exposes the emptiness of living “under the sun” for self. • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • By setting God’s glory as the aim of every task, even ordinary duties gain eternal weight. Motivated by Future Accountability • 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” • Death ends earthly labor but begins our evaluation. Living purposefully now prepares us to hear, “Well done” (cf. Matthew 25:21). Living Purposefully—A Quick Checklist – Seek God daily in Word and prayer. – Serve faithfully in your local church. – Steward time, money, and abilities for eternal impact. – Speak truth and grace in every conversation. – Stay alert to sin; pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Suffer and rejoice with hope, knowing Christ rewards enduring faith (Romans 8:18). Ecclesiastes 9:5’s sober reminder that “the living know they will die” moves us to seize every remaining breath for the glory of the One who defeated death and promises everlasting reward to those who live for Him. |
    |