As we reach the final week of our summer sermon series, “Living Life Backwards,” it’s a bittersweet moment. Walking through the book of Ecclesiastes has been a journey, and like all good things, it must come to an end. The end of a sermon series feels like saying goodbye to a friend who has accompanied us on our spiritual journey. It also signals the end of summer, reminding us, as Ecclesiastes 3 says, that there is a season for everything, and now it’s time to move forward.

The Regret of Missed Opportunities

Have you ever missed a flight? The frustration of seeing the plane pull away without you, knowing there’s nothing you can do, is overwhelming. What follows is often regret—wishing you had left earlier or moved faster. This regret isn’t just about a missed flight; it’s a metaphor for life. We all have moments where we look back and wish we had made different choices. Whether it’s in relationships, health, or careers, the choices we make—or fail to make—can lead to significant regrets.

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative nurse, compiled the regrets of her patients in her book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.” These are powerful reflections from those at the end of their lives:

1. I wish I would have let myself be happier.

   People often found themselves stuck in old habits and patterns that prevented them from experiencing true happiness.

2. I wish I would have stayed in touch with good friends.

   The busyness of life often causes us to lose touch with those who matter most.

3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.

   Suppressing feelings to keep the peace can lead to stress and resentment, which may manifest in physical illness.

4. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

   Many men regretted missing out on their children’s lives and the companionship of their spouses because they were chained to their careers.

5. I wish I had the courage to live true to myself versus the expectations of others.

   Trying to please others often results in a life unfulfilled, with dreams left unrealized.

These regrets are sobering reminders that life is fleeting, and the time to live fully and authentically is now.

The Conclusion of the Matter: Fear God and Keep His Commands

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 brings us to the heart of what really matters in life. After all the pondering, searching, and wisdom shared, the Teacher concludes with a simple yet profound truth: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This is the essence of a life well-lived—a life that honors God in reverence and obedience.

The Teacher’s words are like goads, prodding us to move in the right direction. They are firmly embedded nails, providing a stable foundation for our lives. The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is endless and can be exhausting, but the ultimate conclusion is clear: Fear God and keep His commands.

Faith Expressed Through Love

Galatians 5:6 echoes this conclusion by shifting the focus from religious rituals to what truly matters in the Christian life: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Here, Paul emphasizes that outward religious acts are not what God desires. Instead, it’s about an inward transformation that is evidenced by faith expressed in love. This is the essence of living a life without regret—loving God and loving others, which is the true fulfillment of God’s commandments.

Living Without Regret

As we conclude this series, let’s reflect on our own lives. Are there areas where we are missing out because we are not living in alignment with God’s commands? Are there relationships that need mending, or dreams that we have yet to pursue? Ecclesiastes and Galatians remind us that living with reverence for God, keeping His commands, and expressing our faith through love are the keys to a life well-lived—a life with fewer regrets.

When the end of our life comes, may we look back with a sense of fulfillment rather than regret, knowing that we have lived faithfully, loved deeply, and walked humbly with our God.