July 8

Ecclesiastes ends with a sober but compelling invitation: to live wisely and reverently in a world full of uncertainty. The Teacher reflects on the foolishness of careless words, the fleeting pleasures of youth, and the inevitability of aging and death. His conclusion is clear—life lived apart from God is meaningless, but a life anchored in the fear of the Lord is full of purpose.

The call to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth” isn’t just for the young—it’s a reminder for all of us to center our lives on what will last. We are encouraged to enjoy life as a gift from God, but also to live in light of eternity, not temporary gain. At the end of it all, the purpose of life is not found in what we accumulate, but in who we become before God.

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul models what it means to finish well. Near the end of his life, Paul looks back not with regret, but with gratitude. He speaks of a race run, a faith kept, and a crown of righteousness waiting for him. His words are full of resolve and hope. Even as he faces the reality of death, his heart is anchored in the faithfulness of God. Paul didn’t live a perfect life, but he lived a faithful one.

These final chapters of Ecclesiastes and 2 Timothy remind us that our legacy is not built in a moment—it’s built over a lifetime of small, faithful choices. Whether we are in a season of beginning or ending, we are invited to live fully for the One who has called us, sustained us, and promises to welcome us home.

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