Ecclesiastes // Chasing Meaningનમૂનો

Life under the sun doesn’t make sense. It is short, elusive, confusing, and wearisome. This fallen world is not how it’s supposed to be. Our existence makes sense only when we fear God and keep his commandments (Eccl. 12:13). But it took Solomon a while to come to that conclusion. In the first eleven chapters of his journal, he tried everything to find meaning. Instead of embracing God’s truth, he made up his own truth.

Ecclesiastes 2:1

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.

Solomon decided to take truth into his own hands. He determined what was the best course to take for himself, what made the most sense to him, and what was right and wrong for him personally. He might change his mind tomorrow. But for today, he settled his feelings and thoughts on pursuing his own course of action. This is a textbook example of postmodernism, a philosophy that permeates our present day.

Postmodernism says that there is no universal or ethical absolute standard. You can make things up as you go. In this view, right and wrong are shaped by the culture in a particular time and place. Regardless of my biology at birth, I can be whatever my heart wants me to be. Postmodernism embraces randomness. I can hold to this truth today and a different truth tomorrow. Truth is molded by my feelings and the needs of the moment. In postmodernism, the boundaries are blurred, but who cares?

After reflecting and doing whatever his heart wanted, Solomon concluded that satisfaction wasn’t found in feeling good but in fearing God and obeying his truth that has been established for time and eternity. One day, we will stand before the One who has established all truth. The Judge will “bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” On that day, the judgment will come from the heart of the Judge based on right and wrong. There will be no room for feelings.

Take some time to consider your daily thoughts and actions—any hints of postmodernism—twisting the truth or ignoring the truth to meet your needs or match your feelings?

Ask God to help you see right and wrong clearly.

Ask God to give you the strength to obey and follow hard after him.

Lord, help us not to play with the truth you have already established. In Jesus’ name. Amen.