TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E4: Approaching God with Caution In this episode of Truth Worth Living, we delve into Ecclesiastes 5, where the teacher, in his relentless quest for meaning "under the sun," turns his attention to God. This chapter marks a pivotal point in Ecclesiastes as it explores the dynamics of approaching God, listening to Him, and making commitments. Here are the key takeaways: The Teacher's Quest The teacher in Ecclesiastes embarks on a journey to find peace and purpose without God. However, in Ecclesiastes 5, he turns to spirituality as "another stone to look under." His exploration is not driven by a desire for divine intervention but rather a negotiation for limited involvement—a "foxhole faith" approach. Approaching God Cautiously The teacher advises that when approaching God, one must do so with caution: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means: - Tread Lightly: Be mindful of how you approach God and what you seek from Him. - Fear God's Righteousness: Understand that God is a consuming fire, zealous for commitment. Approaching Him requires a healthy fear and respect. The Israelites recognized that God could be "unmanageable" and might demand a complete shift in their lives, calling them to abandon personal agendas for His will. Listening Closely When turning to God, listening is paramount. The teacher warns against being "quick with your mouth" and advises to "let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). This is important because: - God Knows All: He sees and understands everything, so our words are less significant than His wisdom. - Avoid Foolish Sacrifices: Offering "the sacrifice of fools" is meaningless when we fail to listen to God's guidance. Committing Carefully The teacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to God: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it" (Ecclesiastes 5:4). Key points include: - Keep Promises: God values promise-keeping, and failing to fulfill vows can lead to divine displeasure. - Avoid Desperate Bargains: In times of desperation, we may make hasty promises to God, but it's crucial to honor these commitments. An example shared about a man praying for a parking space illustrates the danger of making vows lightly. Once his problem was solved, he reneged on his promise to God, emphasizing the teacher's warning against such behavior. Conclusion The teacher in Ecclesiastes 5 offers profound insights into our relationship with God. Approaching God on our own terms can be “dangerous business” because “we don’t manage the Almighty God.” Instead, we should: - Approach cautiously, listen closely, and commit carefully. By following these principles, we align ourselves with God's will, acknowledge His sovereignty, and embrace the true essence of faith. As the teacher wisely notes, "This is truth worth noting, and this is truth worth living."