Remember Now (Ecc 12:1–8)

Life is short. Life is uncertain. We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow. One of the frustrating and confusing mysteries of life is that we have the most energy and enthusiasm when we are young. As we grow older, we grow wiser, but we find we no longer have the strength or ability to do the things we need to do. It’s almost not fair: the young have energy, and the old have wisdom, and both need what the other has!
Solomon’s answer is this: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (12:1). While you still have ability and energy, give heed to this gem of wisdom: put God first in your life. Don’t wait until you are older and no longer have the strength to serve God. Don’t put off living a godly life. Do it now, while you’re still young.
Why now? Because you aren’t getting any younger. The older you get, the more your strength and energy will fail you. One day your eyesight won’t be as sharp or as keen as it is now (12:2). Some day your hands will tremble, your back will be bent over, and your teeth will fall out (12:3). Your hearing will begin to fade (12:4), and many new difficulties and fears will beset you (12:5). Your hair will turn white, your legs will be unsteady.
Life is short. You won’t live forever. The time will come when even you will grow old and eventually die (12:6). Your body will be buried, decompose, and eventually return to dust, and your God-given soul will live forever in heaven or hell (12:7). Life is short. This is one of life’s mysteries: you won’t live forever (12:8).
The Preacher’s conclusion is this: serve the Lord while you have the opportunity. Don’t put off godly living. Don’t mistakenly assume that you have many years to do right. Put God first in your life right now while you still have strength and energy. Do what is right now while you are still young. Remember your Creator now.