To the Young – Ecclesiastes

 

The Fleeting Beauty of Youth

“Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.”

The poet Robert Herrick encourages the young to make the most of their youth. I first heard this poem in the movie Dead Poets Society, and I will never forget it. This first stanza of the poem lives in my mind for its beauty and its important message.

Youth is a precious thing that is alternatively idolized and taken for granted in the human experience. The ignorance, the passion, and the joy of youth is marked by learning, growing, and physically looking and feeling as good as you will for the rest of your life. I do not know where youth ends, but I know mine has ended, and I am grateful for the youth that I had. There were fun times, mistakes, and great people who invested in me and shaped me into who I am today. Most importantly, the Lord is ever faithful.

 

Rejoice in Youth — But With Accountability

(Ecclesiastes 11:9–10)

As Solomon considered this valuable time in the book of Ecclesiastes he wrote these words:

“Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. You know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So remove sorrow from your heart and keep pain away from your body because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.” — Ecclesiastes 11:9–10

The changes we experience in old age color our perspective. Many people grow jealous of younger people. Other people grow bitter with the loss of physical comfort, strength, and beauty. Truthfully, youth should be enjoyed by the young and admired in the old. There is so much to do with the energy and potential of this time of life, and scripture encourages us to enjoy it because it goes by so quickly. Yet Solomon's advice doesn't end there.

 

Remember Your Creator While You Are Young

(Ecclesiastes 12:1–2)

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’; before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain...” — Ecclesiastes 12:1–2

This critical bit of advice makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying youth successfully. These moments are fleeting, but they are important. If these years are invested in spiritual growth then they are glorious, but if these years are wasted they can limit what is available to us in the latter years.

 

The Wisdom That Comes With Age

As youth passes away the words of Solomon are true. Eyesight, hearing, and physical awareness all decline over time. Just like energy levels, and capacity for various experiences. Ageing can also bring wisdom — and it will if we pursue the Lord with our youth.

The simple admonition of wisdom is to understand and appreciate youth while we have it. To the folks who have left youth behind we can still admire and encourage those who are young to use these precious moments to grow to know Christ and make the most of the gift of youth.