All is Vanity

"All is Vanity" by Charles Allen Gilbert

A few months ago, I bought a t-shirt,featuring the famous painting "All is Vanity," by Charles Allen Gilbert. I suppose there was a part of me that saw a spiritual truth in it's meaning. When I look at the painting, I am reminded of a verse in Ecclesiastes. "I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, striving after wind. Similarly, I am reminded of a verse in Psalms, "Man is mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow."

According to People.com, Globally we spend 382 Billion dollars per year on the industry of beauty. I read another article that stated that America spent over 8 billion dollars last year on plastic surgery, alone. 

This post is not to judge or belittle anyone. In fact, I have been guilty of pouring more money than I care to admit on the pursuit of beauty. I don't wear makeup often, and yet I have tons of it just sitting in my bathroom, collecting dust. I have had a few micro needling procedures done to my face to minimize wrinkles. Did it work? Hmmm. That is debatable. It certainly wasn't cheap, and, in retrospect, I now wish that I used the money for things for my family or for "storing up treasure" in Heaven. 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19

How much of our lives are devoted to eternal things and how much is devoted to "vanity," things that have zero eternal consequence and will ultimately pass away?

I keep thinking of the verse in 1 Peter that says,  Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Many women, often those in ministry, like to flaunt their designer clothing, purses, and expensive jewelry. They boast that it is a sign of God's blessing. However, Jesus tells us in 1 Peter, that true beauty is a beauty that goes much deeper  than outward appearance. It is something lasting and eternal, and it comes from the heart. 

He even tells us in His Word, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with his income. This too is vanity." Ecclesiastes 5:10

Do you notice how many superstars, who seeming have everything, money, fame ,riches, and beauty, often strive to find happiness? Sadly, many end up ending their lives. It's because money and fame and beauty are not a means to joy. It is all vanity, chasing the wind. Joy is something that wells in the heart, and the famous, in their pursuit of it, don't know that it can be found in Christ Jesus.

Anyhow, this message is to remind you that you are beautiful. It is not a judgement. Simply, a reminder. Consider the following verse from Ephesians 2:10, For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Sidenote: There is nothing wrong with trying to look beautiful, however, it is important that the pursuit doesn't become idolotry. At one time, I was so obsessed with working out and looking good, that I allowed it to interfere with my walk with Jesus. I was barely praying or seeking because I was consumed with my own self interest. don't make the same mistake. All is vanity.