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Articles
Solomon's Blueprint
Life is filled with swift transition. Tomorrow is not promised, nor is it certain that we will join in family celebrations possibly planned later in the week, month, or year. Each day contains the same amount of seconds, minutes, and hours, but this does not mean it will be the same for every person. We never know the time and end of our lives, but this should never keep us from living each moment to its fullest. Our lives may be filled at times with great difficulties that will hurt and cause us to become depressed, but in those moments we must look to the promises of God. Faithfulness is not serving and obeying God only in the moments of ease, but rather the ability to seek His kingdom and righteousness above everything else. Life is filled with swift transition, but where are we transitioning is one of life’s greatest question.
The king of Israel, Solomon, lived a life of luxury which was filled with every wanton desire. Solomon indulged in the world’s offerings of riches, labors, knowledge, and relationships, but in the end he found this type of life simply to be – “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Solomon’s life had great potential, but he squandered all his possibilities, because he sought after the hearts of foreign wives, instead of the heart of God. In his final years, Solomon returned to his senses and wrote the greatest treatise concerning life given entirely to those things “under the sun.” His conclusion was life amounted to much more than simply the pursuit of earthly possessions and goals. Solomon wrote to his younger sons and gave them the blueprint of a truly successful life.
Solomon wrote to the young men – “Rejoice, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). The willingness to rejoice should never be predicated upon a life without tests and trials. The person who rejoices in the Lord will strengthen his heart in moments of great testing, and will rise above the impediments the evil one scatters along his pathway of life. Do not long for the days of becoming older and moving out, but learn to love the days of your youth. Learn to love the time spent in the home of your youth, and be vigilant in observing your parents’ love, character, and spiritual strength. Rejoice and be glad with the opportunities given to study, learn, and grow in your faith of God. Rejoice in the days of your youth!
Solomon wrote the young men – “Remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting” (Ecclesiastes 11:10). The environment of your schools will offer each of you a variety of influences, both good and bad. The bad influences will promise a life of fun and excitement, but in reality will only reap heart ache and heartbreak. Sinful living does not give men a reason to rejoice, but rather to be filled with sorrow for all the mistakes that have been made. Make wise decisions and “remove” the bad influences from your life. The good influences will not hinder your progress, but rather will help you along the way. They will admonish you when you are wrong, but they will also rejoice with you in your successes. Pray daily for the wisdom and knowledge necessary to distinguish between the bad and good influences in your life.
Solomon wrote the young men – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1a). The foundation of a child’s success begins prior to his entrance into this world. Will he enter a home grounded on the principles and commandments of God’s Word? Will he enter a home filled with love and strength originating from God’s Word? A child brought into this life with a home centered around God’s Word will always be greater prepared for this life, than any other type of home. We, parents, have been given an incredible blessing from God, and it is our responsibility to mold our children’s hearts to be receptive and responsive to God’s Word. Children do not neglect the discipline and instruction of your father and mother. Thank God every day for parents who care not only for your physical well-being, but who are also preparing you for eternity. Children do not allow the world to sway you from the foundation of your childhood. Remember your Creator in the science classroom! Remember your Creator in the school’s hallway! Remember your Creator in every arena of your life! Life is already filled with enough troubles, do not neglect the source of your greatest help, your Creator.
The wisest king of Israel’s history found the answer to life’s troubles and questions. The answer was not an elaborate scheme with multiple choices, but rather three simple steps that should be instilled in every heart both young and old. Rejoice in the Lord! Remove the wickedness of this world, and serve God. Finally, remember your Creator! Life is filled with swift transition, where will you be found at the conclusion of your life? Solomon wrote –
13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; emphasis mine, bcj).
