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Freedom to Obey

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7; 8:2-8

Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. (8:2, niv)

Americans tend to say, "If only I were free, I would really enjoy life." For many that means freedom from responsibilities and others' demands upon me, freedom to do my own thing, freedom even from keeping promises I once made that now impede my ability to do what I want. But this kind of freedom, says the Teacher, is the opposite of what we should want.

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Meaning and purpose in life begin with obedience to God. We should listen to God (5:1-2), standing quietly in awe of him (5:7). This is the heart of living meaningfully. And the heartbeat of such a life is making solemn promises to God; not empty vows but thoughtful ones. Keeping such promises is the key to a purposeful life. Those who don't keep promises are doomed to a life without substance, direction, or meaning.

True freedom is doing what God and rightful authority require (8:2). We don't have the power to handle absolute freedom. We don't know what tomorrow will bring (8:7). We are helpless to control our own destiny, especially our death (8:8). Only God can do this, and so our best hope is to place our trust in him and live according to his commands.

Prayer: God, I want to place myself under your authority, responding to your promises with my own. Amen.

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