Ecclesiastes 1:2 “‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher, ‘Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.’”
EMPTY
There was a song back in the 70’s entitled “You’re So Vain” which was sung by Carly Simon. Supposedly she sang it about someone she knew who was just so conceited and stuck up. Not very nice, huh? But that song became very popular on the pop charts and even made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame. That says something about us, doesn’t it?
Vanity, according to King Solomon who wrote this, is everywhere. He should have known. He allowed his wealth and God given wisdom to make him vain. His downfall was thinking he had done anything to achieve what was given to him. He started out so good, asking God for wisdom, but ended up chasing other gods and setting up his son, Rehoboam, for failure.
TEACHING MOMENT
We, as parents, must keep our children’s vanity in check. We want them to be proud and accomplished. But they need to make sure they give credit where credit is due. No one achieves one thing in this world of themselves. As believers, we know that God is the giver of blessings. He gives us our abilities and successes. He can just as easily humble us if we become too proud.
So, there is a delicate balance. On the one hand, we praise and brag on our children. On the other hand, we teach them to acknowledge anyone who played a part in their success, most of all the Lord. If our children can learn this at an early age, they just may escape the dangers of vanity.
What are you proud of? Do you struggle with a little too much pride? Or perhaps you are just the opposite. You suffer from no pride at all. That is just as bad. We serve a mighty God Who empowers us with His Spirit. That Spirit can work through us to do incredible things if we get out of the way. Will you let Him work today?
A Moment In Time 