Friday Night Message: Rejoice In Your Youth

May 19, 2023

Good evening brethren, 

This Friday Night Message is directed primarily to our youth, but some of the principles apply to us all, regardless of our age or how long we have been members of God’s church.  Notice the advice that Solomon gives to the youth of his age…

Ecc. 11:9 – Rejoice young man, in your youth and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.

The first half of this verse may lead you to believe that Solomon is an advocate of the youth culture, promoting the approach that young people should be “happy go lucky” and do whatever they desire, and live only for today, seeking pleasure, pursuing a life that God does not approve of.

However, Solomon understood youth, and so he adds three caveats for his readers to consider and understand.  These qualifications come in the form of warnings, and provide the reader with the proper perspective.

1. Be aware that God is watching you.

Yes, Solomon encourages the youth to enjoy that stage in their lives.  Pursue your desires, live life to the full.  But also be cognizant that God knows the very thoughts and attitudes of everyone, and He will surely bring us in to account for our sins.

The “good times” that Solomon tells the youth to pursue must be wholesome fun, acceptable to God, conforming to His law and His approach towards life.

Ps. 139:1-2 – O Lord, You have searched me and known me… You understand my thoughts afar off., You comprehend my path…

Eph. 5:15-17 – See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

2. Childhood and youth are vanity.

Ecc. 11:10 – Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh.,,  for childhood and youth are vanity.

The second caution appears at the end of verse 10.  From my life’s vantage, I can assure you that the years going from youth to adulthood pass like a snap of your fingers.  So it is wise to make the most of life as early as you can … don’t waste time, because … childhood and youth are vanity, and they pass so quickly.

Ps. 90:10, 12 – The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years…So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

3. Seek God early in your life

Seek God in your youth … do not wait until you are middle-age or old.  Build a relationship with the Lord God as a youth, and life will be so much better. Solomon urges young people to use their youthful energy, ambition, idealism and mental acuity for God’s service, by doing what is right.

Ecc. 12:1 – Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…

This admonition by Solomon urges young people to seek God first, before “experiencing the world”, and thereby accumulating the baggage and penalties of sin and flawed moral character.

Isa. 55:6, 8-9 – Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Fred