Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

Vanity or Eternity

Solomon was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God. Though he spoke of this human dilemma over 3000 years ago, the insights and application of his message are relevant even today. When Solomon became King, he asked God for wisdom and he became the wisest man in the world. He studied, taught, judged and wrote. Kings and leaders from other nations came to Jerusalem to learn from him.

Solomon takes us on a mental journey through his life, explaining how everything he tried, tested or tasted was ‘meaningless’ - useless, irrational, pointless, foolish and empty; in short, an exercise in futility. (These words are from one who had it all- tremendous intellect, power and wealth.) He took stock of the world, as he had experienced it, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow and meaningless.

The key word in this verse is ‘vanity’. Whatever we do in this life, whatever we earn and possess (without God) is vanity. Only God can make your life meaningful. Trying to be happy without God is vanity. Humans must understand that life under the sun is vanity, but life above the sun is eternity. The life we live, we must live for the glory of Jesus Christ. True satisfaction is found only by looking beyond this world. True wisdom is found in God and true happiness comes from Him alone.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that life without You is not worth living, because without You, I can do nothing. I’m so grateful for You being in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.