thoughts on ecclesiastes: is it about knowing or being in love?

Christians will argue til they’re blue in the face about correct doctrine and which translation of the bible is absolutely correct.

I both agree and caution that. It’s not a new theory or accountability, I mean the entire gospel contains a man fighting against the astuteness of the pharisees walking around shoving their knowledge in people’s faces, however it’s still a fresh observation in the walk of faith.

In Eccl, you have this author who has spent a lifetime exploring all there is to explore physically and spiritually, and at the end he comes to a wonderful conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments - also enjoy the work of your hands for this is your lot - and also enjoy the wife of your youth - and also what you hand finds to do, do with your might. Simplicity yet extravagance.

The point I try to land as close to, as often as possible, is this: life of faith is complex and simple at the same time, that’s how it was designed, on purpose. You cannot, no matter how hard you try, fit everything in a box except for one idea of fearing (loving, devoting one’s self to, enjoying, worshipping, pursuing) God and keep his commandments (put effort forth to instill what you can try to know about him in action). Often times you have Christians who will die on hills of truth - and in many cases I think those hills are well built - however there’s a very quick cliff you’ll find lurking on the edge of truth called idolizing said truth. When the truth becomes more about you being right and correct than it is being in love with the one who declared it, that’s when it’s sticky.

I don’t believe in universalism - the idea that you just believe in what you want, when you want - I do fall on the side of “objective truth,” and I do think there is an ultimate and perfect truth, however I find it hard to believe that any one of us has the option for that to be figured out wholly. I think all of us are supposed to test our faith, seek out the truth in every corner of our belief so we can burn the chaff that clings to the core.

I have friends who are testing out their beliefs, going down paths that feel a bit icky to my immediate beliefs, and in practice I’ve seen others treat that like a disease to be rid of. I’m not so sure that’s the case in all instances these days. Like the author of Eccl, why not go to the end of that rabbit hole? Why not find yourself enjoying all the little joys of life? At the end, if I believe what is true, then God will show himself with majesty and ultimately bring glory along - while simultaneously reprimanding or uplifting the one who embarked on that particular journey. I could easily point to verses and passages that might challenge the immediate stance of their beliefs, showing them why their line of thinking is “wrong,” which might be a correct thing to do, however if I find myself irritated that they don’t succumb to my right-ness, where is my heart pointed?

If I am so angry they don’t agree with me, I’m less in love with God whom I boast about in my ranting to them, and more in love with my status as correct. That is off. Maybe I’m not so sure about my own faith if I’m not willing to defend it whilst allowing others to explore as they may. Maybe I’m not so secure in my love for God if I’m quick to judge or feel shaky at someone’s questioning.

There is one truth, that’s what truth means. It’s exclusive. However, I’m still figuring out what that is, and by grace I’m beckoned along the path that’s straight and narrow. Of course, there isn’t a righteous man alive that does good and never sins, be it in action or in thought or in belief, and that is the grace we have access to.

Must I remind myself again today - while the people were outside building themselves up in being right, Jesus was inside at the bar with the sinners grabbing a beer and talking about the game (of course this is my paraphrase, c’mon). He’s among the lowly, leading them with patience and humility, and offering himself as the backboard to shoot off of. What a wonderful thought.

Are you in love with God, or are you in love with yourself? It’s a loaded question, and I’m sure the answer doesn’t fit in a blog post.