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Warring with vanity
by Adekayero Tutuola This has been one of the prominent issues that have been warring against the church in recent times. This being called "Vanity" is also one of the deadliest weapon used by the kingdom of darkness to distract the attention of saints from the kingdom of God. Vanity has been said to be "the condition of being vain; ambitious display; ostentation; show" (New International Webster Dictionary). To me, vanity can be said to be the love of ephemerals, things of this world. A Christian under the grip of this being can be referred as a lover of 'things'. This being has been a behemoth that has and is still eating into the moral fibre of the church. It doesn't spare the pastors or church workers; neither does it exclude the church members. Most Christians and men of God now have their spirit man weighed down by being a lover of 'things' and this have veiled their ears that they could not hear the Son speaking again. There is this popular saying that twenty years the Lord has departed from a prophet, 'Thus saith the Lord' will not depart form his lips. He won't even know that the Lord God is not with him. So is the case of many of us saints today. The book of Ecclesiastes spoke many things about the issue of vanity and the danger thereof. I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy the gifts of life but when the word "love" comes in, then there is a problem. You may like 'things' and not love them. But the moment you be a "lover" of "things", your attention will shift from the Master who is the reflection of the glory of the Most High God. This topic is connected to one of my forthcoming article titled: Ascending into the hill of God. The writer of the book of Hebrews in chapter 13 focuses mainly on how to please God. Hebrews 13 vs. 5 says, "Keep our life free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have" (Good news Bible) The above words from the scripture persuade us to keep our lives free from the love of money. Keep note of the phrase "love of"; money is one of the ways saints are being lured into the path of the dark side. That you're a Christian that doesn't use earring is not a platform that you're excused by this being. Although, the focus here is not on the controversy that maybe a Christian sister should use earring or not but I want you to know that vanity is much more than that. Have you heard people or Christians around you saying, "I would rather die than not become anything in this world?" What is that? It is the sign of vanity. I have heard about presidents of campus fellowships that about presidents of campus fellowships that after graduation and experiencing the popular notion of "life after campus", they leave the race of the glorious city. Do you know what they usually say, "Hey! Things are different out here!" Fellow brethren concerned about their spiritual life may say, "I used to know him back on campus. Then, he was hot for God but now, he is not the sane as I used to know him!" This can sound funny but it's the truth and most cases like that I've heard. It's such that the person then on campus wasn't hot for God really, he is only being zealous. Saints! It is germane for us to know that when you're not prepared for the world out there (students note this), nor do you carry the fire inside you, the world will cut you into pieces and show you your true colour. No wonder the Apostle Paul enjoined us to put on the whole armour of God. It should be of noteworthy that you cannot do this when you are still a prisoner to vanity. A Christian must learn how to war with vanity everyday before he can develop spiritually. This usually takes place in the mind, desires before the physical manifestation. James 4 vs. 1 says, "Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you" (GNB) The battle with vanity comes from the mind. The lust of the eyes goes along with the lust of mind and later to lust of the flesh (the physical manifestation). This, with no doubt we have to overcome and deal with it in our places of work, schools, neighbourhood etc. Why do you still watch pornography in the corner of your room? Why do you still cheat on your spouse, fianc or fiance? Why do you still give in to anger frequently? Those are the work of vanity in conjunction with that of the flesh. Why not decide in your mind not to do those things you still engage in secretly. Those things that do nothing but to ignite the power of that old nature in us and doesn't want us to hear the Son speak. Why not go on your knees now and ask for forgiveness from the Father. He is willing to forgive and wants you to be among His generals that will be marching unto victory in this end time. May God help you as you decide to walk on the path of life. I'll end this with these wise words in Eccl. 6 vs. 9 "It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else" (GNB). May the grace of God sustain all Christian saints in all their endeavours. Amen. tutadek'yahoo.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |