Thankful Only for Vapor which Disappears at Death?

© 2022 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.   But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.” (James 4:13-16)

Have you ever noticed that children often like to permanently claim ownership of a toy?  They’re not satisfied to see a toy and then let everyone else play with it.  No.  “It’s mine!”  they shout.  If another child tries to claim the toy, a struggle often ensues.  Permanent possession seems to be the goal.  However, all physical possessions are temporary.  As we grow older, we tend to lose interest in the toys we liked before.  Even if we continue to like them, they generally break or wear out.  Childhood toys are replaced by more expensive items.  Some have said that, “the only difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys!”  Toy cars are replaced by real ones.  Possessions in the game of Monopoly are replaced by more lasting possessions of houses and lands.  However, no matter how expensive our “toys” become, they are still temporary.  Thieves, economic downturns, or death itself, eventually separate us from all physical possessions that we cherish in this life.

The introductory Bible passage, above, reminds us that boasting, about the vaporous things of this life, is evil.  The apostle Paul was, originally, a well respected Pharisee who had studied at the feet of the renowned teacher, Gamaliel.  He pointed out that if any man could boast in fleshly attainments, he could boast even more (Philippians 3:4).  However, he now understood that only his crucified and risen Savior had lasting value to which he could cling.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

Today is “Thanksgiving Day.”  Most of the things for which people express thankfulness are fleeting and pass away.  Though it is fitting to be thankful for even the temporary blessings God provides for us, they shall pass away.  Unless your thanksgiving is centered in Christ as your Savior, you’ll enter eternity with nothing left to be thankful for.

Are you still thankful for vapour alone?  Or have you asked Jesus Christ, God the Son, Himself, to save you from your sins?

 

You may leave comments for Tom & Kathy (website administrators) below.