In Ecclesiastes 1:1 the author introduces us to the ‘Teacher’ or ‘Qoheleth’ as he is called in Hebrew. The book starts off with a very optimistic main thesis: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (v. 2) The Hebrew term hevel, translated vanity or vain, refers directly to a ‘mist’, ‘vapour’, or ‘mere breath’ and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive. All is temporary and not to grasp. The Qoheleth talks about his very eclectic life and how he tried to find purpose in wealth, career, status, pleasure and wisdom. He describes how the realisation, that all these things become meaningless at the end of his life, really hit him hard. Nothing will last - some things not even for longer than a few hours. All is hevel. Even wisdom, the thing the whole book of Proverbs talked about in such great detail. The teacher makes very clear that there is no purpose, nothing lasts without God. In the end “everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
As well as the Qoheleth Jesus warned us about seeking our purpose in earthly wealth when He said “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21). If something takes up a lot of time and space in our lives, it has an influence on our heart and on what we prioritise. Depending on what that is, it can keep us from wholeheartedly commit to following the calling God gave us. Because actually there is a purpose for our life that we can read about throughout the scripture: To follow Jesus, love God with all our heart, love our neighbours and keep His commands. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
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This calling is for everyone who want to live with Jesus - including you. How seriously do you take it and does this show in your everyday life priorities? Where do you chase after wind instead of God’s purpose? Ask God what He wants to reveal to you today.