Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”- before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets. Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. “Meaningless! Meaningless!”says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 New International Version (NIV)
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
the law of entropy – the law of sin and death – From dust you were made and to dust you shall return.
Life is fleeing; it just slips through your fingers. All vanishes like mist.
Ecclesiastes 12:8 The Voice Translation (VOICE)
Remember your creator in the days of your youth…
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV)
Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 (NIV)
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (NIV)
Fear God. Do what he tells you. The Message (MSG)
Worship in reverence the One true God, and keep his commands. (VOICE)
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
On the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. – The Apostle’s Creed
“My child, do not mind if others think ill or say unpleasant things about you. Think of yourself as much worse than they imagine, and regard no one as weaker than yourself. If your inner life is strong, you will not pay much attention to trivial words. When attacked by evil, the wise stay silent. They turn their hearts to Me and are untroubled by the judgements of others. Do not let your peace depend on what other people say bout you. Whether they speak well or ill of you makes no difference to what you really are. True peace and joy are to be found in Me alone. Those who are neither anxious to please, nor afraid to displease, enjoy real peace. All unrest of heart and distraction of mind comes from distracted feelings and groundless fears.”
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis
Mind your Maker, remember your Creator, lay your crowns down. This is the Meaning of Everything