Rejoice, Young Person, But...

There is no doubt that youth is a fleeting stage of life. We all grow a little “older” every day. But this reality does not seem so obvious during the years of “puberty.” During adolescence, things seem eternal and inexhaustible. As grandparents are fond of saying, “Innocence is bold!”

The truth is that our adolescents have had to live in an age full of contradictions. Today, geographical distances have shrunk thanks to the mass media. Yet the distance between parents and children in their communication has grown considerably. Society urges our young people to be independent in their thoughts and actions. Nevertheless, the behavior of thousands of our adolescents “depends” on the “glamour” and “appearance” of the entertainers and athletes who command the media’s attention. Even though they have the energy and time to explore their surroundings and the natural world, tens of thousands of young people prefer to spend hours “killing time” playing video games. In the face of these contradictions of our age, Ecclesiastes 11:9 offers a warning that is especially fitting for young people.

That warning is not meant to stifle the happiness of those who are just beginning to live. Quite the opposite: the counsel offered has two fundamental purposes for those approaching adulthood.

I. The first purpose is to guide young people toward an understanding of God’s sovereignty.

When I worked as a chaplain in the juvenile correctional facilities of Massachusetts, I met many adolescents who thought Christianity was something to put off until old age. “Youth is for having fun and enjoying yourself. When I’m old, I’ll convert,” some would tell me. Yet Ecclesiastes helps us recognize that God is not a talisman or an amulet we can hide in a chest and take out later. No stage of our lives lies outside God’s jurisdiction. Therefore, everything we do, whether in old age or in youth, will be brought to judgment.

II. The second purpose is to instill a sense of caution and discernment in response to the clear call to enjoy one’s youth.

Contrary to what many think, this verse is not a prohibition. Ecclesiastes 11:9 does not say, “Do not rejoice, do nothing, stay home and be bored.” On the contrary, the verse says, “Rejoice, young person..., and let your heart take pleasure in the days of your youth.” This is a genuine call to enjoy a beautiful stage of life, but one that lasts only a short time. On the other hand, the call to enjoyment takes a very distinctive turn in the verse’s final sentence: “But know that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment.”

Knowing that all our actions are examined by God should produce in us a sense of “caution” when we act. This biblical principle contradicts the “hedonism” that prevails in our culture. Society’s message to young people is that “if something makes you feel good, or if something gives you pleasure, then do it.” Ecclesiastes 11:9 helps us infer that not everything that gives pleasure, nor every impulse of the heart, accords with the order God has established for humanity. That is why our actions will be weighed on the scales of divine justice.

Therefore, Ecclesiastes places “discernment” (the ability to distinguish what is good for us from what is not) at the heart of living a life in keeping with God’s will. The question, then, is how can a young person keep their way pure amid so many enticements in our society? How can a young person live according to God’s purpose and thus avoid falling into the contradictions of this world? The answer is none other than “keeping God’s word” (Psalm 119:9).

Know, then, that in Christ the whole word of God takes form and is fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, whether the pleasures and impulses of youth are right or wrong is determined in light of Jesus’ example and actions. Most encouraging of all in this process is that in Christ both God’s judgment and God’s redemption for humanity are revealed. In Jesus, the flaws in our character come to light. But it is also in Jesus alone that we can find the forgiveness and transformation we so greatly need.

Therefore, “rejoice, young person, in your youth”... but bear in mind that only Jesus offers the guidance so sorely needed in these uncertain times. And while it is true that he confronts all our actions, it is even more true that he forgives and transforms all our imperfections.

Press on in the Lord Jesus!