IN VAIN

The words “in vain” are often used in the Bible but what do they really mean? The words appear so trivial but we certainly do not want “in vain” to be part of our lives, especially in this New Year. We may look back over our lives and see many acts that were all performed “in vain” last year. We certainly do not want to repeat these acts; life at its longest moment is very short.

In the scriptures the words “in vain” are translated to mean “empties, worthlessness, futility, and is applied to things that are empty or worthless, such as the fruitlessness of human endeavors, the worthlessness of idolatry, and the futility of wickedness,” Pictorial Bible Dictionary. In searching the Encarta English Dictionary the words “in vain” are said to mean, “fruitlessly, pointless, or unsuccessfully and also to be used in a disrespectful or blasphemous way”.

Much of man’s life is often lived “in vain.” It appears that man’s search is forever after idols. The season that is so popular at end of the year proves this to be a point. The greatest worry of the merchandising world was whether or not there was going to be enough products to sell to satisfy the idolatrous wants (not needs) of man. The desire for things is often entrenched in the minds of young and old. Mankind idolizes everything from toys to homes, cars, clothes, and people.

How many of these things did you spend much of your time seeking after in the year of 2008? Were the things sought after genuine needs or wants? Did you place your quest for “wants” ahead of your service to God? One of the first commandments that was given unto the Israelites after their departure from Egyptian bondage was, “Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7 ASV).

Using the name of God “in vain” includes and goes beyond disrespecting and blaspheming His name. God’s name is used “in vain” when we do not honor Him, when we disrespect His authority, and when we show love for others above our love toward Him. The scriptures teach us that we are to give our all over to God, “…The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mark 12:29-30 KJV). God will not take second place to no one or anything. To do so is making our service to God worthless or an act of futility (Matthew 10: 37; Matthew 6:24).

God’s name is used “in vain” when we honor the dictates of man above the teachings of God. Not just in how we are to worship but also the manner of lives we are to live. Jesus is the true representation of the Father of whom He (the Father) declared, “This is my beloved Son of whom I am well pleased, hear ye Him.” He also taught, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do” (Mark 7:7-8 KJV).

Now, let us look at the life that we lived in the year 2008. How many of our days could we classify as “in vain” when it comes to giving service to God? When it comes to worshipping God, how much time did we give to Him in comparison with socializing with our fellowman? Were we socializing spiritually to uplift a brother or sister who needed us or was it for personal pleasure? Did we come to worship God and could not stay through the entire service? While on the other hand, we spent time at the movies or watching television or sports and regardless of how long they lasted we were so engrossed in them we could not bring ourselves to leave? Could we consider this as time spent “in vain?”

There are many souls lost in sin; how much time did we spend trying to save them? Did we not know it is our responsibility to brings souls to Christ (Ephesians 3:10)? Would we consider much of our time as wasted (in vain) or do we really feel when we stand before the Lord we can justify it (Luke 14: 16-14)? Our earned income is a result of God prospering us fairly; was it “in vain” because our giving to the Lord did not come from the heart (I Corinthians 16: 1-2; II Corinthians 9: 6-7)?

“In vain” plays a more important part in our lives than we care to admit. If we desire to go to heaven it is important that we make sure our lives are not spent worthlessly or “in vain.” Do we see anything that we need to correct? If you are reading this, God is giving you extra time. So, today is the day to make your living positive for God and self. RB