Without God - Part 43: Follow the Ways of Your Heart, But...

 

“Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

—Ecclesiastes 11:9b

King Solomon has written the Book of Ecclesiastes as an examination of life without God. It is also his confession of the sin that he allowed to creep into his life. In today’s passage, Solomon reflects on the attitudes he had as a young man, some of which led him off the pathway of righteousness. Take note of his words found in Ecclesiastes 11:7-10:

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Why are youth and vigor meaningless? Because a life lived without God is meaningless. To his regret, Solomon realizes that he has made some serious mistakes in his life. In his unique poetic manner, he confesses those sins through this examination of life without God.

But Solomon also knows that God has remained faithful to him and has blessed him with overwhelming blessings. The shame that Solomon feels oozes out in his advice to young people. We do well to take note that life without God is not a real life. Rather, it is but a shadow of the glories of life with God.

As a new day begins, let’s recognize the calling we have to share the good news of God’s reconciling us to Himself, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. That same good news should prompt us to share, in the most gentle and tender way, whenever the Holy Spirit opens up and opportunity for us to do so.

 

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