Solomon concludes the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes with his observations about life; and in his closing remarks in chapter twelve, we find four words of wisdom that can be applied to the common life-experiences of high school graduates.
“Make Sure You Know God While You Are Young”
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” (12:1).
The first word of wisdom is to make sure that you know God while you are still young. In his book Generation Next, George Barna says, “About three-quarters of all people who have consciously, intentionally and personally chosen to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior did so before their eighteenth birthday.”
It’s important that you come to know the Lord before you encounter the difficulties of life. Without Jesus by your side, you can easily drown in a sea of hardship. Granted, you may have already endured some challenges; but the truth is that life only gets harder, not easier. However, if you take the Lord with you, then you can better endure what lies ahead.
“Make Sure You Still Know Him When You Are Old”
Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (12:6-7).
The second word of wisdom is to make sure that you still know the Lord, or have maintained your relationship with Him, even when you are old. As you get out on your own and experience the freedom of making your own decisions, you will be presented with many different life-philosophies that run contrary to the Bible. You will be tempted to choose another path than the one that God has laid out for you.
Just remember what Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Be certain that you continue to walk “the straight and narrow” all the days of your life.
“The Most Beneficial Scholarship is from the Lord”
The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright-words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd (12:10-11).
The third word of wisdom is that the most beneficial scholarship is from the Lord. If you plan on attending college, then beware of the assault on the Christian faith. Arthur Serratelli tells about a class exercise that took place at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton in a course called “Intercultural Communications”:
The professor asked the students to write Jesus’ name in big letters on a paper, place the paper on the ground and then stomp on the name of Jesus. Ryan Rotela, a junior, refused. Ryan was polite and sincere. He calmly disagreed with the professor’s request and refused to do the exercise. He paid the consequences for his refusal - suspension. A university supervisor told him not to return to that class.
In college you will encounter a lot of self-proclaimed “scholars” whose primary goal is to refute the Christian faith, claiming they know better; but keep in mind that true scholarship is contained in the Bible by the words of the one true Shepherd and Teacher. Also, don’t forget to stand up for your faith.
“The Most Meaningful Pursuit in This Life is God”
And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all (12:12-13).
The fourth and final word of wisdom is that the most meaningful pursuit in life is God. Upon graduation it’s exciting to get out and pursue your options for the future and your career. It’s also necessary for your financial security and well-being; for without the security of a good job, you will be in no position to influence the world for Christ. However, you need to make sure that your career choice is not the end, but a means to an end; the end being to bring glory to the Lord.
Your job should never become your sole reason for existence; and your career preparation should never distract you from growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Be careful to balance your college study and Bible study; and always keep in mind that the most important pursuit above your career is God. Jobs come and go, but your relationship with Jesus is everlasting.