1. Expectation/Corruption
A man spends his whole life building up an enormous estate. In his
later years, he looks back over his accumulations and awaits in
expectation for all the benefits that he and his family will reap in
the years to come.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that
he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap
corruption.” (Gal. 6:6,7)
Are we in harmony with God in our thinking? How much time, energy, and goods we spend on things that will not last!
2. Immortality /Dust
They laid the famous man carefully into the casket. His body was
embalmed and clothed with the luxurious robes of royal splendor. His
gold ring was left on his hand and a priceless necklace was hung around
his neck. The tomb was made of material that would never wear out. It
was proclaimed that a man of such a reputation as this one should be
buried in splendor so that he might live on in immortality in the ages
to come.
“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the
ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to
dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)
Are we in harmony with God in our thinking? How hard we try to get a name for ourselves here on earth!
3. Something/Nothing
The banquet hall is filled. Men who had worked hard for a long period
of time were congratulating one another for the magnificent buildings
and city that they had helped to build. To live to see this day was
really something and it demonstrated the marvelous wisdom and wonder
that a group of men could display when working together.
“Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple,
and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For
in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” (Rev. 18:16,17)
Are we in harmony with God in our thinking? We so often think we have
really done something when in reality it shall be brought to nothing!
4. Design/Vanity
All the great minds of the day were gathered at the vast conference
room in the big city. They had carefully laid the plans that they were
sure would finally bring peace to the valley that had been warring for
so many years. Their design for peace had been thoroughly planned and
they could not foresee any reason why it would not work.
“Saying, peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14). “There is
no peace, says my God, for the wicked” (Isa. 57:21). “I have seen all
the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and
grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 1:14). “This I say, therefore, and
testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the
Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17).
Are we in harmony with God in our thinking? How often we think the
resources of this world will solve the spiritual needs of our life!
5. Tomorrow/Vapor
After many calls and conferences, the business trip is finalized. The
business man was ready to embark on what should be the most profitable
trip he has ever taken. He has a list of great contacts and a product
to sell that is moving well on the market right now. He feels that he
has finally reached the peak of his career and tomorrow the big trip
begins.
“Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a
city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you
do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is
even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
(Jam. 4:13,14)
Are we in harmony with God in our thinking? How often we make plans for
the tomorrow that may never come and waste the day that is set before
us!