Cheer up, young man, but ...

There is no doubt that youth is a transitory stage. We are all getting 'older' every day. But this reality does not seem to be so evident during the 'puberty' years. During adolescence, things appear to be eternal and inexhaustible. Grandparents say it well: "Innocence is daring!"

The reality is that our adolescents have had to live in a time full of contradictions. Today geographic distances have been shortened through social media. However, the distance in communication between parents and children has increased considerably. Society urges our young people to be independent in their thoughts and actions. However, the behavior patterns of thousands of our adolescents "depend" on the "glamor" and "appearance" of the artists and athletes who monopolize the media attention. Even having the energy and time to explore the environment and nature, tens of thousands of young people prefer to spend “dead” hours playing video games. In the face of these contradictions of our time, Ecclesiastes 11: 9 gives a very appropriate warning for the youth.

This warning is not intended to forge the happiness of those who are just beginning to live. On the contrary, the advice offered has two fundamental purposes for those who are close to adulthood.

I. The first purpose is to orient the young man about the sovereignty of God.

When I worked as a chaplain in Massachusetts juvenile prisons, I came across many teenagers who thought that Christianity is something you put off until you reach old age. “Youth is to enjoy and enjoy. When I am old I become ”—some told me. However, Ecclesiastes helps us to recognize that God is not a talisman or an amulet that we can hide in a chest and later use. No stage of our life is outside the jurisdiction of God. Therefore, everything we do, whether in old age or in youth, will be brought to trial.

II. The second purpose is to instill a sense of caution and discernment in the face of the obvious call to enjoy youth.

Contrary to what many think, this verse is not one of prohibition. Ecclesiastes 11: 9 does not say: "do not rejoice, do nothing, stay at home and get bored." On the contrary, the verse says: "Rejoice, young man ..., and take pleasure your heart in the days of your youth." This is a genuine call to enjoy a very beautiful stage of life, but one that does not last long. On the other hand, the call to enjoyment takes a very peculiar turn in the last sentence of the verse: "But know that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment."

Knowing that all our actions are scrutinized by God should produce in us a sense of "caution" when it comes to acting. This biblical principle contradicts the "hedonism" that prevails in our culture. The message of our society 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 produces pleasure nor all the impulses of the heart are in accordance with the order established by God for humanity. It is for this reason that actions will be weighed in the scales of divine justice.

Therefore, Ecclesiastes positions "discernment" (the ability to differentiate what is good from what is not) as the key to living a life according to God. So the question is, how can the young man keep his path pure in the face of so many offers in our society? How can the young man live according to God's purpose and thus avoid falling into the contradictions of this world? The answer is none other than "keeping the word of God" (Psalm 119: 9).

Let it be known then that in Christ all the word of God is materialized and fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, the right or wrong of the pleasures and impulses of youth is determined in light of the example and actions of Jesus. What is most encouraging about this whole process is that in Christ both God's judgment and redemption for humanity are manifested. In Jesus flaws in our character come to light. But it is also in Jesus where we can only find the forgiveness and transformation that we need so much.

Therefore, "rejoice young man in your youth" .... but keep in mind that only Jesus offers the much-needed direction for these uncertain times. And if it is true that he confronts all our actions, it is much more true that he forgives and transforms all our imperfections.

Forward in the Lord Jesus!