Always! Always! Keep God First: For God Shall Bring Every Work Into Judgment - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV)

The Foundation of a God-Centered Life

There remains one eternal truth: we were created to glorify God and walk in harmony with His will. This fundamental truth is echoed powerfully in the words of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV):

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

This passage serves as a clear and sobering reminder: our lives are not our own. We are accountable to the One who created us, and everything we do, say, or even think will be brought into judgment. Therefore, the highest principle that should guide every decision, every plan, every relationship, and every action is this: Always! Always, always keep God first.

Why We Must Always Keep God First

• He is the Source of All Life and Wisdom: God is not a mere add-on to life—He is life. All that we are and all that we hope to be finds its origin in Him. Without God, our plans are empty, our wisdom is flawed, and our efforts are vain.

• Everything Will Be Judged: As Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us, nothing escapes God's view—not even the "secret things." Whether our deeds are noble or selfish, hidden or public, they will one day be evaluated by the Almighty. This calls for daily self-examination and consistent surrender to His will.

• It Is the Whole Duty of Man: The scripture doesn’t say that fearing God and keeping His commandments is part of our duty—it is our whole duty. All our earthly responsibilities and relationships should flow from this central commitment.

What It Means to Acknowledge God in All Our Ways

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

• Acknowledge Him in Decisions: Before making decisions—big or small—consult God through prayer and His Word. Ask: Does this glorify God? Will this decision bring me closer to Him or further away?

• Acknowledge Him in Relationships: From friendships to marriages, God must be at the center. We are called to reflect His love, patience, and truth in all our interactions.

• Acknowledge Him in Success and Suffering: It's easy to praise God when life is going well, but acknowledging Him in trials shows true spiritual maturity. Whether on the mountaintop or in the valley, He is worthy of our trust and obedience.

Keeping God First in a Distracted World

• Daily Devotion and Prayer: Begin each day with God. Reading His Word and praying realigns your heart to His will. It’s not a ritual, but a relationship.

• Obedience over Convenience: The world often promotes self over surrender. But when God comes first, we choose His way—even when it’s not popular or easy.

• Guarding Your Heart and Mind: Our thoughts and affections must be guarded diligently. What we consume—media, conversations, entertainment—either brings us closer to God or draws us away.

Living with the End in View

The writer of Ecclesiastes, after exploring all of life’s pursuits, concludes that fearing God and keeping His commandments is what truly matters. This is a powerful call to live with eternity in mind.

• Judgment Is Certain: No one escapes God’s judgment. Knowing this should stir our hearts to live in reverent fear and holy anticipation.

• Nothing Is Hidden from God: Every act of kindness, every impure motive, every word spoken in anger or love—God sees it all. And He is just.

• Christ Is Our Hope in Judgment: For those who keep God first, who trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, judgment is not a thing to fear but a moment to be rewarded for faithfulness. Christ’s righteousness covers those who have truly given their hearts to Him.

The Eternal Priority

To keep God first is not merely a slogan or a passing thought—it is a way of life, rooted in scripture and driven by an eternal perspective. When we fear God, keep His commandments, and acknowledge Him in all our ways, we align ourselves with the divine purpose for which we were created.

Let us remember:

• We are accountable to God for everything we do.

• His commandments are not burdensome—they are the path to true life.

• A life built on keeping God first will stand in the day of judgment.

So, with every breath, every thought, every decision: Always! Always, keep God first. For this is the whole duty of man.

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”— Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV)

Let us live each moment with this in mind, seeking not the applause of man, but the approval of God.