The vanity of earthly pursuit over eternal pursuit

Pastor Lazarus Muoka

Youth Choir

In life, many are caught up in the pursuit of wealth, power, fame and material success. While there is nothing inherently wrong with hard work and ambition, the Bible reminds us that when earthly pursuits become our sole focus, they ultimately lead us to emptiness and futility. True fulfillment comes from aligning ourselves with God’s purpose and pursuing eternal treasures that last beyond the grave.

• The Vanity Of Worldly Pursuit
The book of Ecclesiastes offers one of the clearest warnings against relying on worldly gain for satisfaction. King Solomon, the wealthiest and wisest man of his time, reflects on his vast accomplishments and possessions and declares: Eccl 1:2: “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” (NKJV).

Despite his wealth, wisdom, and pleasures, Solomon found that these pursuits were ultimately meaningless. He compares life’s achievements to “chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Everything gained in this world—whether wealth, pleasure, or knowledge—will pass away, and striving for them alone leaves the soul unsatisfied.

Additionally, our Lord Jesus Christ in Mark 8 v36-37, asks a pertinent question: “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and loses his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The soul of man is priceless; therefore, there is no amount of money in this world that can purchase a single soul. It is very dangerous for anyone to abandon the soul in pursuit of earthly possessions only. The things of this world, money, power, knowledge, pomp and pageantry, among others last just for a while, and so, anyone that allows these things to deceive him, is not wise. Therefore be warned.

• Brevity Of Life And Temporal Nature Of Worldly Wealth
Worldly treasures do not last. Jesus emphasises this truth in the ‘Sermon on the Mount’: Matt 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, (NKJV).

Everything we accumulate on earth will decay or be taken away. The reality is that life is brief—like a vapour. James 4:14, says: “Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then varnishes away.” No amount of worldly success can accompany us after death. Psalm 49:16-17, says: “Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased, for when he dieth he shall carry nothing away, his glory shall not descend after him.”

Moreover, the letter of the Paul de Apostle to Timothy buttresses this fact thus: “For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing away,” (1Tim.6v7). All these go to show that life full of, or dedicated only to worldly pursuit is a life in futility.

• Eternal Pursuit: A Life Focused On God’s Kingdom
Rather than striving for material wealth, the scripture encourages believers to pursue God’s Kingdom and righteousness. Jesus teaches:“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,”(Matthew 6:33,NKJV).

The pursuit of God’s Kingdom involves living in obedience to His word, demonstrating love and compassion, and spreading the message of salvation. Apostle Paul also reminds us that only what is done for Christ that will have eternal significance:“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, set your affection on things above not on things on earth,”(Col 3V1-2, NKJV).

• The Reward of Eternal Pursuit
In contrast to the fleeting rewards of the world, the Bible assures believers of eternal rewards in heaven. Paul writes:“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing,” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

When believers focus on God’s eternal promises, they experience true joy and peace that surpass material satisfaction. Philippians 4:7 says: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The pursuit of God’s will, love and service not only benefits others, but also builds up treasures in heaven that cannot be taken away.

The world will be a peaceful place to dwell if believers and people of the world will seek and pursue eternal things that will endear them to God.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to say that pursuing eternal things starts with knowing Jesus Christ and the purpose he came to the world.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to die for the sins of the world. All men were sinners through Adam (Rom 3v23), but redemption from sin came through Jesus Christ. Heb. 9v22 says: “And almost all things are by the law cleansed(purged) with blood and without the shedding of blood is no remission.”

Jesus Christ came to fulfill the above law by dying on the cross of Calvary to redeem man from sin. John 3v16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
Have you believed in him? Understand that there is no alternative to Jesus Christ. He is the only way to heaven (Jn14v6, Acts4v12, 1Tim2v3-4).

Conclusion
The Bible teaches that the pursuit of worldly gain without regard for God’s eternal purpose leads to frustration and emptiness. Material wealth, power and achievements are temporary and cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Instead, believers are called to seek the things of God, laying up treasures in heaven that will endure. In the end, a life invested in God’s Kingdom offers the only true and lasting reward. May your focus be on eternal pursuit…Amen!

Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing
Evil Spiritual Exorcised, Prostate Enlargement Varnished

My name is Monday Omoaneghen; I am from Edo State. About 17 years ago, I finished my house in the village I was attack spiritually. It was so severe that I did not know what to do, even though I attend a church where I have spent 20 years as a member. I was terribly attacked every night. The evil spirits were also feeding me with evil food at nights. I have gone to so many churches for prayers and embarked on fasting and deliverance rites, yet there was no solution. My frequent fasting and prayers, instead of bringing solution brought sicknesses, more afflictions, including having moving object in my body, and also stomach and chest pains.

Just last year, I went to a hospital and was told that I have prostate enlargement. When I went for treatment, I was told that there were over 500 people in line for treatment and that I should wait and be coming to check if there would room for me to be admitted. After trying three consecutive times without success, I opted for Chinese and herbal medication. I have been spending money on this, to no avail. Then my brother, who heard of The Lord’s Chosen programme called me from Warri to try The Lord’s Chosen option. I have not been to Lagos for the past 25 years, but because of this case, I came to The Lord’s Chosen headquarters in Ijesha.

While the Pastor was praying during the programme, something like fire entered my body and there was a vibration all over my body and for about five minutes I could not tell what was happening to me. But, when I became normal and a call for testimony was made I did not come out. I wanted to crosscheck that all is well with me before coming out to give my testimony. When I got home that night I did not feel the enlarged prostate problem again; I urinated normally.

While the case lasted, I was always afraid of nights, because of the torments I was passing through, but from that Saturday night, I slept peacefully and I was surprised that I awoke without nightmares,evil attack or oppression. To date, I have not received any spiritual attack, even the pains I had before coming the church had all gone; so,I said I must come and testify. I am not only testifying, I have become a member of the Lord’s Chosen.

I praise God for the G.O. I pray that God will bless and protect him, and at the end, make heaven with all the Chosen members across the world in Jesus’ name…Amen!

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