All Is Vanity
Posted by Drew Coffman | | Posted On Monday, November 9, 2009 at 10:20 AM
- C. Allan Gilbert
Ecclesiastes 1:2 -
Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity - emptiness, falsity, and vainglory."
Having just recently written about Ecclesiastes, I once again find myself drawn to the book - and the same verses - this time with different context. The book so well describes the struggle of finding emptiness as opposed to fulfillment - and that struggle is not only found when futility attempting to attain worldly accomplishment, but in all aspects of life as well.
Our lives being decidedly finite, we must conclude what we are living for - and if our actions match up with our motives. This world is unquestionably centered on appearance and beauty, and this too is meaningless. The end of vanity is not a new concept, and has been touched on artistically time and time again. It is, however, a concept we seem to forget. Or perhaps, more truthfully, ignore. The author of Ecclesiastes calls on us to never forget it. To instead, live in total acknowledgment to it. Wisdom says that we will have to face these facts sooner or later - and the greater choice is to do it in youth.
This is why that death to ourselves and our ideals is so necessary - to come to terms with the vanity which is overlaid on the world and our actions. All around us in vanity - excess in appearance, in performance, in action, in function . . . in literally every area.
Do we choose to ignore the fact, and revel in the vanity? Or do we choose to understand it, remove ourselves, and live from another kingdom altogether?
Vapors never last.
Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “For of all I have ever seen or learned, this book seems to me the noblest, the wisest, and the most powerful expression of man’s life upon this earth – and also the highest flower of poetry, eloquence, and truth. I am not given to dogmatic judgments in the matter of literary creation, but if I had to make one I could say that Ecclesiastes is the greatest single piece of writing I have ever known, and the wisdom expressed in it the most lasting and profound.”
Great thoughts, Drew. We are always living for something whether we realize it or not...
May we live in truth always.
Was it you that posted that quote "all of life is insignificant.. and that fact is insignificant" or something to that effect?
I kind of love that. We can be lighthearted and not beat ourselves up all the time. Yet, we should live with all of our being.
Just because I'm not in control of everything doesn't mean I should stop trying to change the world.
Knowing that not every burden is on my shoulders gives me freedom.. to make my life meaningful.
"The purpose of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."
Proverbs 20:5
Happy New Year! :)
2010!