Vanity

                  “Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity”, writes the author of Ecclesiastes the Old Testament reading for this week. Which at first glance sounds harsh to our modern ears. When I think of vanity I picture someone who cares to much about how they look and what they wear, constantly comparing themselves to others and needing to beat them. It makes me think of the Greek myth of Narcissus who was cursed to fall in love with his own reflection to the point that he just wasted away and died. That’s not what the Hebrew word translated as vanity is really getting at here. Instead, it is referring more to futility or worthlessness. That image of trying to grab smoke with your hands or watching a cat trying to catch a laser pointer. Over the course of the 12 chapters of the book (which I recommend you read even if it gets a bit confusing at times) the author reflects on many things but always comes to the same conclusion. It’s all just chasing smoke. Except for one thing which is to be in awe, fear, or reverence of God, and to celebrate the gifts and toils which God has given you. Does it pay to be wise? No the fool will just “eat up your words”. Does it pay to be righteous? No the wicked will just manage to outlive you anyway. So enjoy life. Look to the birds of the air and lilies of the field as Jesus will tell us next week (spoiler sorry) but instead enjoy with reverance the life God  has given you now! Because as the author of Ecclesiastes points out this life will mean nothing to you when you’re dead.

Peace,

Corey