Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity” – Ecclesiastes 12:8 (KJV)
It is amazing how people live their lives chasing shadows. Most of the things that people pursue with a do or die attitude are things that have no eternal value. People kill, cheat and lie to acquire wealth. The way people make charm to terminate the lives of others, even family members simply because of land, money and other material things is of so much concern; considering that some pay little or no attention for things of eternal value. The eternal consequences of such vain pursuit is not at all given serious consideration. Most people are only concerned with life here and now. The future is not in the picture. Unfortunately, most of the things they crave for that have blinded them to eternal things are vain things that lack eternal value. They pursue things that will perish in this side of life being temporal. The real things that make for fulfillment, peace and joy are often neglected.
At the end of his earthly pursuit, King Solomon discovered the folly of material pursuit at the expense of the pursuit of God. All human pursuit without Christ, be it education, fame, wealth, pleasure, will ultimately end in vanity. But with Christ at the centre of one’s pursuit, all these assume a new dimension. When Christ lays his hands upon all these as they are yielded to him in a relationship, they all can enhance ones life on earth. Life without Christ is empty and vanity, not minding the wealth acquired, the position occupied, the height attained or the fame. But life is so rich and so fulfilling with Christ at the centre.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, continue to enrich my life in you and help others find the riches of the Christ-life.
Rev. Vincent Diolu