The Right Goal for Our Lives
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The teacher began the class by opening Ecclesiastes chapter 12 and highlighted how modern society often promotes self‑knowledge, wealth, fame, and power as the ultimate achievements. He reminded the congregation that life is brief, citing James’s description of life as a vapor that quickly vanishes. Using a rope‑and‑tape illustration, he showed how our temporal hopes represent only a tiny portion of our eternal journey. He then read Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV) and explained its call to honor God in youth before old age brings physical decline. The teacher emphasized Solomon’s concluding observations—“vanity of vanity, all is vanity”—and pointed to Ecclesiastes 3:10‑11 where God has placed eternity within human hearts. He warned against chasing fleeting successes, referencing Jeremiah 9:23’s injunction not to boast in wisdom, might, or riches, but rather in knowing the Lord and living righteously. The central message was that the right goal for our lives is a deep, enduring relationship with God, which transcends all temporal pursuits.
Key Scriptures
Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and say, 'Life is not pleasant anymore.'
Then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.