Today you should read: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
“Follow Your Dreams.” I know you’ve heard these encouraging words before. You’ve probably even shared those 3 words with someone as well. There’s like a million internet memes and encouraging posters that says the same thing including this little gem that all of my fellow UK Anthony Davis fans should find a good chuckle in.
As encouraging as that line is, God is saying something a little different in today’s Jumpstart scripture. In v. 3 Solomon says For a dream comes with much business and a fool’s voice with many words. Other translations says a dream comes when there are many cares and words. The problem is that there’s not a lot of action to accomplish those dreams and let’s be honest, most dreams never become a reality, hence the word “DREAM.” Many teens dream to become pro sports players or get into any ivy league college. Many adults dream of the day that their mortgage is paid off and can pay off all of their kid’s college loans. This is not reality for most people just like most of our “decisions” for God is not a reality for the people who constantly go to church, camp, discipleships saying they’re going to do all of these things for God, give up certain things, etc. etc. but it never becomes a reality. This is why Solomon says in v. 1-2 it’s better to guard your steps and watch your mouth when going to the house of God. Many people make false commitments and decisions for God not because they don’t have earnest desires to turn their life around but because they are caught up in emotion and oversell their dreams in what they hope to do. The problem is that God wants you to LISTEN more then make false vows to Him (v. 1, 4-6)
So how do we make these “dreams” for God into reality? When you make a vow, surrender it all to Him. Don’t hold back on it. Fulfill it. If not, you are making a mockery of God and the vows He has made to you. Its better to not have even said it if you aren’t going to do it. It’s ultimately a sin when you say these things and don’t fulfill them. All of those words and dreams about the things you cared for but that is not becoming a reality means nothing in God’s eyes unless you fulfill them and do them. Therefore stand in awe of God. Fear God, Recognize that you didn’t make this vow to me as a student pastor, to former camp preachers, to Tim on a Sunday morning or your discipler but to a Holy God and that should cause you to FULFILL YOUR VOWS more then FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS because your vows with God holds a weight to them compared to words with many cares but not much action to them.
Posted by: Erik Koliser
JumpstartCPC.com 
Eric,
Thank you for this wonderful reminder.