Some regard King Solomon as the wisest man who ever lived. Many people believe he was responsible for writing the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament part of the Bible about 3000 years ago – 931B.C.
His mission then was to critique the many illusions that offer purpose and meaning in life. Throughout his 12 chapters, he continuously used the Hebrew term ‘hebel’, which translates to mean vanity, mist, vapour or mere breath, and metaphorically represents something that is fleeting or elusive.
As a very wealthy man who had access to all of life’s ‘pleasures’ he emphatically states early on, “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14, which isn’t inspiring at all!
‘hebel’
There’s a short documentary that was recently produced, “The Void: Finding Happiness in a World of Escapism” which asks the vital question that must be considered regarding our current generation of young people and where they go to search for purpose and meaning.
Why is Gen Z the most depressed, anxious, and overly medicated generation in America (and likely Australia)? Detached and lonely, millions of young people are plunging into ‘The Void’ of escapism and social media addiction, only to find themselves more isolated and alone than ever before. https://www.prageru.com/video/the-void-finding-happiness-in-a-world-of-escapism
This short documentary offers some solutions to Gen Z and their families to overcome this mental health crisis, by instead, taking on responsibilities and finding purpose.
After considering the insights from contributors, Misha Petrov (a recent college graduate who discusses Gen Z’s most popular social media trends and how to avoid them), Zuby Udezue (UK-based “clean” rapper, entrepreneur, and podcaster), and Chris Williamson (Former British TV star), one might wonder, ‘If King Solomon were to write the book of Ecclesiastes in 2024, what would he have said about searching for meaning in social media on the internet? Would he have declared “Eureka”, or “Jackpot! I’ve finally found it, the meaning of life!” Not according to ‘The Void’ documentary which reveals some notable facts:
“The most undisciplined people live the most unhappy and unfulfilled lives.” – Zuby Udezue
“A lot of people my age feel very lost and empty. The reason why so many are turning to escapism as a coping mechanism is a lack of purpose and meaning.” – Misha Petrov
“Human happiness is not based on just having the things you want, and it’s not simply based on comfort. In fact those things can create more individual misery if they are not backed up by the foundational pillars that help to keep somebody sane, and with purpose and with meaning in their life.” – Zuby Udezue
“Comfort is always going to be comfortable, in the immediacy, it’s always going to look like it’s fun. But you need to find something which is bigger than that, which is more important than that, which gives you more meaning and more purpose so that you can say, ‘No’ to what is immediately comfortable and go after something which is long-term meaningful.” – Chris Williamson
“The things that actually keep people sane, and grounded, and feeling happy, and feeling like they have meaning and purpose with their lives, are family, friendships, faith, health and truth.” – Zuby Udezue
So, if King Solomon were to write in 2024, would he change his conclusion?
“So this is the end of the matter; all has been heard. Worship God and keep God’s commandments because this is what everyone must do.
God will bring every deed to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or bad.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
No, Solomon’s wisdom was timeless but the Bible does reveal the antidote to the addiction of escapism, hebel – meaningless. It’s found in pursuing something bigger and more important than our own temporal lives. It’s found by seeking forgiveness and discovering purpose with an eternal perspective. Life under The Son. Lives that honour our Maker, in whose image we’ve been created, for the purpose of completing good works that please Him.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10
An eternal purpose has been guaranteed, and you don’t need 5G or WiFi to get connected. The Void can simply be filled by knowing and serving our Maker, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Andrew Lucas, Head of Christian Studies