The wisest man who ever walked this earth, aside from Jesus Christ, was King Solomon, the son of David. God blessed him with unmatched wisdom (1 Kings 3:12). Although Solomon tragically drifted into idolatry later in life (1 Kings 11), many believe that in his old age, by God’s mercy and grace, he repented and wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes as a testimony of his return. In it, he proves his own earlier assumptions wrong: that pleasure and meaning could be found apart from fearing and obeying God.
Ecclesiastes is where Solomon wrestles deeply with life’s meaning. He examines all earthly pursuits (wealth, pleasure, work, fame) and finds them all ultimately empty. His conclusion? “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
He writes:
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’…
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13–14 (ESV)
So what does it mean to “remember your Creator”?
It’s far more than mentally acknowledging God exists. It means living every moment before His face, under His authority, and for His glory. This is what the Reformers meant when they used the Latin phrase Coram Deo – “before the face of God.”
Why live Coram Deo?
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Because it’s the truth — nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).
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Because we were created for His glory (Isaiah 43:7).
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Because only in glorifying God do we find true joy and purpose (Psalm 16:11).
The 17th-century Westminster Catechism beautifully summarizes this in its very first question:
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
But today, many young Christians ask:
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Why did God make me?
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What am I here for?
And tragically, the answers they receive often come from worldly thinking rather than Scripture.
Satan offers them this counterfeit message:
“God made you to make you great. You’re the center. Life is about you. Your success, your pleasure, your kingdom. God exists to serve your goals.”
As a result, young men chase status, money, and personal achievement, even while professing faith in Christ. A newly married man might say to his wife:
“You’re only needy because you stay home. If you get a job and leave me alone, you might learn to appreciate me.”
What he’s really saying is:
“I want to live for myself. I have dreams and desires that demand all of me. I have nothing left for you.”
This same man may stand in front of a church and lead worship (with his voice, yes) but with no obedience. No godliness. No spiritual leadership at home. And God is not pleased with empty service.
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth…” — Ecclesiastes 12:1
Use your youth to seek God. Delight in Him. Store up His Word in your heart. Don’t wait until old age, when the only thing left is breath.
Young believer, the time to glorify God is now. This is what you were made for.
Much love,
Missy 💐
Appeal for Purity