“Vanities of Vanities”
By Deacon Rod Knight
I was taught that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. We must make the effort if we are to succeed. In this region of our country, most people pride themselves on the art of self-reliance, managing the task at hand themselves. God helps those who help themselves. Right?
God wants us to cooperate with His will, for us to do our part. We wake up and prepare for the day, prepare for school or for work. We even plan for our recreation. As I write this, the Montgomery family is currently camped out in their own backyard. Why? They are doing a rehearsal for their trip to Yellowstone, preparing and making sure that they have everything and that it is working properly. Good planning, Greg!
Greg is doing preventative maintenance on their vehicle, trailer, tents, cooking stoves, and so on. I also know that Nora is doing her part (I had to mention Nora, because she said, “What do I have to do to get in the bulletin again?”).
Athletes practice their chosen sport before competitions. Hunters prepare their clothing, their bows or rifles, and scout their game prior to every hunt. Militaries train for battle prior to ever being involved in conflict. We plan for graduations, weddings, retirement, and yes, even funerals.
Many married couples wait to have children; they want time to prepare. My parents were married eleven years before having children. I like to be prepared. That preparation builds confidence in the successful completion of our objective.
Are we preparing for eternal life?
Have you ever heard, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins”? What do they win? We are not taking anything with us except the sins we have not confessed (a shameless plug for Reconciliation).
We know not the day or the hour when death will call. God has granted each of us a life, no matter how long or short. It is our time to pull a Greg Montgomery and ensure we are ready. Are we ready? Do we desire the Kingdom of Heaven? What preparation are we doing to ensure we get through the narrow gate?
I went to St. Google and searched “vanities of vanities” and got the AI overview:
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” is a famous quote from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. It signifies the ultimate futility and emptiness of worldly pursuits and possessions when not viewed in relation to God. The phrase emphasizes the fleeting and ultimately meaningless nature of earthly achievements, wisdom, pleasure, and wealth, highlighting the need to seek a deeper, more enduring purpose beyond these things. The Hebrew word for vanity is hevel, which means “vapor” or “breath,” suggesting something unsubstantial, fleeting, and easily dissipated.
How are we spending our time of preparation in this life? Are we putting our efforts toward grasping the vapors of this secular world, or are we building up our treasure in Heaven?
“Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life.” —Psalm 119:37