"Life Beyond Vanity"

"Life Beyond Vanity"

Introduction: 

Beloved children of God, today we will explore the understanding of vanity, guided by this profound and heartfelt message from our Heavenly Father. Encapsulated in the words of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, and in other passages throughout the Bible, this isn't merely a message; it's a direct line of communication from God, urging us to explore the depths of our life, to understand the vanity within our pursuits. We will discover the transformative power we hold in focusing on praise, worshipping, and gratitude rather than focusing on our wants and desires.  Even the thought of paying a bill, or eating something other than what is needed to survive, even these things too are vanity.  I encourage you to investigate your own life to discover the vanity the Bible discusses. Begin to actively make attempts to acknowledge your vanity, ask for God’s forgiveness and mercy, praise God for everything we have in the present moment, and praise God for the pleasures He will provide in the future.  Now let’s drive into different scriptures that specifically discuss vanity.

Vanity of Vanities: A Preacher’s Caution 

In Ecclesiastes, our Father declares with unwavering emphasis, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher (King Solomon); all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2, KJV). Repeated across different passages, this declaration is more than a caution; it's a heartfelt plea for us to grasp the profound truth it carries.

Cherishing Life: A Gift in His Hands 

Our existence, as expressed in Psalm 39:5 (KJV), is a fleeting yet precious gift in God's hands: "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity." Recognizing that God will provide everything you need. Age is vanity. Old or young, strong or weak all thought of age is vanity.  God gave us life to live, and serve his purpose.  God is the giver and taker of life.  He is the alpha and omega; the beginning and the end. Age and beauty should not be our concern.  God will provide us with the abilities we need to complete his will.

True Significance: Finding Joy in Him 

Ecclesiastes 12:8 (KJV) echoes the caution against the illusion of achievements detached from divine purpose: "Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." Again, we hear these same words mentioned. Our Father implores us to find true joy by aligning our pursuits with His purpose, revealing that true significance and understanding lies in Him.

Pursuits and Vanity: Reflecting on God's Plan 

Reflecting on our lives, it becomes imperative to understand the concept of vanity and discern its subtle, under the radar presence in our lives so that we may recognize it, and redirect our focus into praise and gratitude, rather than a puffed chest and inflated ego.

Core of Our Existence: Praise and Worship 

Psalm 144:4 (KJV) reinforces the message, "Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away." God calls us to focus on praising Him, making it the core of our existence. Vanity, in this context, is the pursuit of goals and desires lacking eternal significance. What are you doing with your life that will be remembered in 100 years? God’s plan is so much more important than ours. It is vain to think of what we need to accomplish or that we must leave behind a fortune for future generations. How do you not know that the future generations are not fools? God’s plan is eternal and fools have no place, and our efforts will continue forever and ever.  Praise God for all the profits of your labor all of your days as it is part of a larger plan.

God's Promise: Trusting Him for Everything

Turning to Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV), Jesus reassures us, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink... Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Recognizing God's promise to provide for our essential needs is vital in discerning vanity—trusting in His provision rather than anxiously pursuing worldly concerns. Anxiety and depression are more rampant than ever in the world, and at the same time even though we have more luxuries than any other known generation before us people are still less grateful then ever and completely blind too all that the blessings in their lives.  

Struggle with Human Nature: God Understands 

God, in His understanding and infinite mercy, provides guidance to recognize and navigate the struggles such as vanity that are inherent in human nature. God created everything. God is in all things.  God knows the secrets of your heart. Do not be a fool to say, “I’m not as bad as others”, or “Only this one time”.  Do not gossip about others, when you are guilty of your own sins.  Realize that God has the power and authority over life and death.  With this understanding you will begin to fear the all mighty power of God. As the Bible mentions over and over, Fear is the beginning of understanding.  Understanding your vanity is a small piece of this understanding.  However, it is a vital piece of understanding and awareness that we must have in order to recognize it and turn it into praise.

Beauty is Vain: Redirecting Focus on God 

Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) shares a profound truth, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Vanity, in this sense, is the pursuit of superficial attributes, and our Father guides us to find true value in fearing and loving Him.

Redirecting Focus: Trusting His Provision 

Philippians 4:19 (KJV) addresses our daily concerns, reassuring, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Recognizing vanity in the pursuit of worldly ambitions, our Father encourages us to redirect our focus, trusting His plan and provision for every aspect of our lives. God says fear not the unknown.

Transformative Thinking: Embracing His Love 

As we grasp our own vanity and the vastness of God's love, and the magnitude of His mercy a transformative shift can begin to occur in our life.

Understanding God's Perspective: Find Balance 

Psalm 62:9 (KJV) offers a glimpse into God's perspective, "Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity." He intimately knows our struggles and judges us with endless love and mercy. Vanity, in this context, is the pursuit of societal recognition and status of the rich, and the self-pity of the poor. Find the balance in your life.  Do not focus on falling behind or getting ahead. Know that God is guiding.  Remind in the balance within your mind and God will provide.  

A Promise of Change: Embracing His Love 

Embracing a life of continuous praise and gratitude, as encouraged in every situation, brings about positive change. These changes will begin immediately once you recognize your vanity and change the thought from pride to praise. Vanity, in the pursuit of material possessions and a proud look, is replaced by a renewed heart transformed by God's love. This is when we can begin to recognizing the emptiness of worldly acquisitions, and start to focus on God’s will and plan for our lives.

Conclusion: Transforming Your Life 

In conclusion, God calls us to a life beyond vanity. Vanity, is the excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements which lack eternal significance. Typically driven by worldly concerns and superficial attributes. Recognizing our vanity is an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and mercy. Let's choose a life that reflects His goodness and love, seeking His will above all. May His love be our guiding light. May we find greater understanding through our studies. And may we praise the Lord God in heaven, creator of all things seen and unseen, for allowing us a glimpse of time on this earth to serve and honor Him with all that we do.  May we not let our own vanity blind us of God’s grace.

Amen. Amen. Amen.