Life Lessons

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/30/21

We can learn a lot from the conclusions King Solomon came to in Ecclesiastes. Today we will consider two more of his conclusions from Ecclesiastes 12.

Life is a school; grow in it. (See Ecclesiastes 12:9-12.) How does God teach us in His school of life? Primarily, it is through His Word. Our textbook is the Bible, and our teacher is the Holy Spirit. There are always new lessons in God’s school. There are always new examinations coming up, and every time we think we’ve passed one exam, there is another one on the way. We always have opportunities to grow, progress, and advance.

Life is a responsibility; succeed in it. (See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.) Life is a gift from the hand of God. And like any gift, there is an obligation associated with it—an obligation to value it, to cherish it, and to gratefully use it. We need to fear God with a godly fear—an attitude of gratitude, reverence, and awe. It is an attitude of love and respect for the power and the greatness of the giver of the gift.

You may feel that you have been heading in the wrong direction. This is the time; this is the moment for you to get back into the game of life. Begin to see it as a school in which you grow. Begin to see it as a responsibility in which to succeed. Just as the old hymn reminds us, life is worth the living simply because Christ lives.

Prayer: Father, I recognize that I need to make some changes in my life. Help me to see what it is You are wanting to teach me. Thank You for this life You’ve given me. Help me to use it well. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs” (Ecclesiastes 12:9).