Vanity is a Downfall

Ecclesiastes 11:10

10Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.

King Solomon freely gave of the wisdom God gave to him. What he learned from God is that it is better to seek God early in your life. He spoke of being cheerful in the heart which is not limited to age of course.  But he also mentions of walking in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes. Babies are fascinated by new things you place in front of them and even faces of people they have never seen before. But what happens when something new comes along?  They loose attentiveness for what has already been present and find interest in the new thing or person in most cases. As children grow a little older they become fascinated with every new toy they see. However, after Christmas, those toys are often tossed in the closet or under the bed once a new toy has been found. This behavior is normal but in youth it is not limited to toys. King Solomon noted that in youth and childhood there is vanity. A lot of youth have a "I'm not scared because nothing will happen to me" mentality. The mentality is often displayed in their choices. They feel their choices have no consequences. Ah but King Solomon warns just above this verse that "God will bring you into judgement." In other words, your choices have consequences no matter what age you are so choose wisely. At the end of the film, "The Devil's Advocate", Satan, played by Al Pacino, shape shifts back from the deceitful character he plays and says, "Vanity. Definitely my favorite sin." And he begins to laugh. Why is that? For he was vain and that is how he lost his position in Heaven. For he was the chief angel and head of the choir, he was the angel closest to God. His vanity is why he is where he is, under the feet of the people of God. So King Solomon's statement is demonstrated in a film. How can one choose wisely you ask? It's called seek God. If you seek God, He will direct your path as stated in Proverbs. If you seek God and He is first with a humble heart, then vanity does not have to overtake you. One doesn't have to be physically young to be in childhood or youth. For 1Corinthians 13 talks about putting away childish things. Putting away childish things means also putting away irresponsible choices due to vanity. Don't let vanity be your downfall.