Ecclesiastes 11:9 (KJV)
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
The anchored Scripture advocates for the pursuit of happiness and following one’s instincts while also underscoring the inevitability of God’s judgment for one’s deeds. Solomon’s counsel carries a sense of immediacy, promoting a life filled with joy while stressing the concept of responsibility. It indicates that individuals should contribute where they are positioned by God, underscoring the significance of living in reverence of God and adhering to His path. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” The appeal of the world and the flesh is constantly with us, turning thousands of young people away from the truth of God. Youth is a precious gift from God, filled with energy, dreams, and possibilities. However, the older we get, the more responsibilities we have and the less we can do. The older we get, the less we want to go and do things. The older we get, the harder it is on the body to do the things available to enjoy life and serve God. We lose our ability to change and learn new things; we are subjected to more significant pressures.
Despite the crooked nature of the world, people can always find joy in life’s pleasures and see them as a divine gift, even amidst the challenges. Young men and women often desire freedom from responsibilities and commitments, believing they can do as they please because of their youth. Their mentality is to “sow wild oats” while young, with the idea that there is always time to change their ways later in life. However, the Bible teaches us that our actions have consequences. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, “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.” Everything we do on this planet shall undoubtedly come to a close one day. After that, there is an accountability to give before God. At the end of life’s journey, only one thing will matter when we meet the LORD God Almighty. And it is whether we feared Him and obeyed His commandments. If we fear God, we will obey His commandments by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, to the end, for this is how we demonstrate our love to Him.
Beloved, it is essential to leverage the distinct possibilities that accompany youth, including educational, travel, and experiential opportunities. Embrace the vigor and enthusiasm that characterize youth and fully engage with life. Pursue your interests, seek new prospects, and find joy in your endeavors. While enjoying life, your actions have consequences, and every action will be judged by God. God’s judgment is not meant to instill fear but to guide you toward making wise and righteous choices. Life is full of uncontrollable occurrences that often seem senseless. However, it’s important not to be overwhelmed by the challenges that arise, whether they affect you directly or others. These events are just a natural part of life. Everything comes down to whether or not you obeyed God and lived according to His Word! Because on Judgment Day, God will bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil. Today, balance joy with mindfulness to live in a way that honors God. Find joy in your daily life while being mindful of your responsibilities. Balance fun with faith, ensuring that your actions reflect your values. Reflect on your decisions and their potential impact. Seek guidance through prayer and Scripture to ensure your actions align with God’s will. Remembering your Creator in your youth is critical as evil pressures increase as you age.
O Lord, help me to live joyfully and wisely, making choices that honor You in Jesus’ Name.