"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." Ecclesiastes 1:14
Solomon tried to find the purpose of his life in the world. He gave his heart to seek wisdom, but learned that it was "vanity and vexation of spirit."
He then turned to the pleasures of the world for meaning in his life. He built great houses, and gardens. He had servants and maidens, in fact, he had all that a man could desire. Solomon's comment on pleasure as a true source of happiness, however, was: "I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun" (Ecc. 2:11).
After trying all that the world could offer, Solomon's final decision was, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecc. 12:13).
"Vanity" is the key word here. The word means "that which is futile or worthless, of no value or profit." As Solomon observed life, he saw little that exhibited profit and accomplishment. As we look around us today, there are many more Solomon's in the world than way back over 2000 years ago. What we need today are more realists!
Being real and realistic is a gift from God. The reason we can be real is because we have nothing to hide. We don't need mansions and large bank accounts to be "real" in the eyes of God. And we certainly aren't here to impress mankind! We can be realistic because we have learned to view life through the eyes of God. We don't blink at evil! How can we, in light of the cross? True wisdom and wealth come from God and His Word. And then we will find true happiness as we are pleasing to Him. Let us remember that our walk reflects on the way we spend our time ~ In the Word of God or in the world!
May God bless you with a wonderful day in His Word.
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
