“Many have remembered God too late, but none too soon—so honor God while you’re young.”
This week’s sermon is part five of Vapor, a six-week series on Ecclesiastes exploring its timeless wisdom and the reality that life is fleeting—like vapor—without God at the center.
Tyler dives into Ecclesiastes’ urgent message: the importance of seeking God while young. No matter how young you are, you need God now. Everything else—wealth, pleasure, status—is meaningless apart from Him.
The Wisdom of Pops
Ecclesiastes is written as a conversation between an elder figure (referred to as “Pops”) and his son, quoting the wisdom of Solomon. We encounter Pops, a wise father figure speaking to his son, and through him, to all young people. His words echo a central truth: you need God now. No matter your age, the pursuit of meaning outside of God is ultimately futile. Wealth, pleasure, and status are all vapor without Him.
Many Remember God Too Late
Pops emphasizes, “Many have remembered God too late, but none too soon.” This is a call to action, a reminder that the excitement of youth can often lead to forgetfulness regarding our Creator. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of life—graduating, getting a job, or starting a family—but amidst all this, we must not neglect our relationship with God.
Life’s Fleeting Nature
Solomon, the teacher in Ecclesiastes, offers a poignant reminder in Chapter 12. He writes, “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.” This is where we find the urgency of Pops’ message. As young people, you are in a prime position to form habits and foundations that will carry you through life. Solomon’s words serve as a warning against the distractions of youth that can easily lead you away from God.
Remember Your Creator
Solomon urges, “Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and say life is not pleasant anymore.” This is a powerful reminder that life can become burdensome as we age. The joy and vigor of youth are fleeting, and it’s essential to embrace this time to cultivate a relationship with God.
Practical Application for Youth
- High Schoolers: Focus on the meaning that comes from God rather than the fleeting recognition from peers. Understand that the friends you have now may not be in your life forever. Make choices that reflect your faith, even when it’s not the popular choice.
- College Students: The newfound freedom can be exhilarating, but it can also lead to poor choices. Remember that the fun that comes from freedom should never overshadow the meaning that comes from a life committed to God.
- Young Adults: As you transition into adulthood, be mindful of the responsibilities that come with independence. Your decisions now can have long-lasting effects on your future.
The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
As we grow older, we often fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. The truth is, as we age, the illusion of being invincible fades. Solomon’s message is clear: remember your Creator before the realities of aging set in. It’s crucial to build a foundation with God while you are still young and able to enjoy the vitality of life.
Live with Purpose
Remember, young people, your identity should not be rooted in what’s considered “cool” or popular. Instead, find your worth and purpose in God. This is a life lesson that can shape your future and influence those around you positively.
Conclusion
Tyler urges us to take Solomon’s advice seriously. Remember your Creator while you’re young. Embrace the opportunities you have now to build a relationship with God, make wise decisions, and honor Him in all you do. It’s never too early to start living a life of meaning and purpose.
So, let’s honor God while we’re young and set the course for a fulfilling life ahead!