fool's gold
"All things are vanity!" —Ecclesiastes 1:2
King Solomon, who is credited with writing the book of Ecclesiastes, was one of the richest people in history (see 1 Kgs 10:14ff). He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kgs 11:3). He could get anything he wanted any time he wanted. Many people today are trying hard to become more like Solomon. They want to be able to relax "for years to come," "eat heartily, drink well," and enjoy themselves (Lk 12:19). Solomon, who ought to know, says they are fools (see Lk 12:20), for "all things are vanity!" (Eccl 1:2)
"What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?" (Lk 9:25) "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God. Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:2-3). Therefore, "set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:1-2).
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to help me get in touch with reality.
Promise: "What you have done is put aside your old self with its past deeds and put on a new man, one who grows in knowledge as he is formed anew in the image of his Creator." —Col 3:9-10
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who has freed us to live for the works of God (Eph 2:10). Glory be to God forever!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Risen Life, or our audio tapes AV 4A-1, AV 4A-3, AV 4B-1, AV 4B-3 or video V-4A, V-4B.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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