Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.—Ecc. 1:2
As believers it is wonderful to be reminded of the blessed estate that awaits us as joint-heirs with Christ. As pilgrims and strangers in the world we find nothing here that satisfies the deepest longing of our soul, but plenty to trouble us. It is then of great benefit to be reminded that this world is not our home—and, therefore, sheer folly to invest our lives in things of no eternal value.
More than 300 years ago, Thomas Sherman reminded us that we have a choice. He said:
I am frail—and the world is fleeting; but
my soul is immortal—and God is eternal.
If I choose earthly pleasures—I shall reap nothing but vanity and dissatisfaction.
If I aim at mammon, the god of this world—then shall I resemble the rich fool, who, for earthly gain, sacrificed his immortal soul; and, in consequence, went to eternal perdition!
But if I choose God for my portion, then mercy and goodness shall follow me while I live—and glory and eternal pleasure shall crown me when I die!
I will therefore now forsake that which I shall soon lose,
so that I may embrace that which I shall always enjoy!
—-in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.–Psalm 16:11
