What is the purpose of life? Solomon gives us the answer in Ecclesiastes 12:13: "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." It's a powerful (albeit succinct) conclusion to a book filled with questions about meaning and fulfillment.

To fear God doesn't mean living in terror or dread. Rather, it means living in awe of His greatness. It is acknowledging His authority and aligning your life to His will. Obeying His commands flows naturally from that reverence as you come to realize that His ways are good, right, and life-giving.

Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 10:31, wherein he calls upon believers to live every part of their lives — even the ordinary moments — for God's glory. As Jesus explains in Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." When you prioritize God and His Kingdom, everything else falls into its proper place.

A life lived in awe of God is a life filled with meaning, purpose, and eternal joy.