“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesia 2:11
It took for this wisest man on earth to learn this and to acknowledge this.
Our Lord warned Mt 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;”
Paul warned through the Holy Spirit in 1 Tim 6: 9,10
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Kerala Govt made a rough estimate of what was wiped off by the fury of the flood in few hours was “20000 crores”. If individuals make a list under various heading of what they lost, the main heading will be what was invested for getting honour from others, treasure on earth.
“That was each ones life time investment.”
Vanity, chasing of wind, chasing of shadow, meaningless.
“ Honour from men and our running after that” is only foolishness. The lesson is taught in clear practical way by the Lord. Are we learning?
Will we learn to be satisfied with the greatest inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
If we have confessed and repented ,are we sure of this treasure in heaven. This assurance will be seen in the freedom in living. We will be content, satisfied in Christ. New life style will evolve. This internal simplicity will lead to external simplicity. Joyful labor for the King in the kingdom of God. Climbing the ladder will become unnecessary. Competition will disappear. Covetousness will give way to sharing in love.
It will be more blessed to give in this way of living. They will be more than conquerors in all adverse situations. No one will be able to pluck them from His hand where they will be abiding. Their joy will be full.
May the Lord open our mind and understanding. May the Spirit of God teach us. May He enable us to begin a new life.
K O John