V is for Vanity by Susan Barclay

 

God gives each of us gifts to use for His glory. How often, though, these gifts can become a snare as we take pride in our abilities, forgetting the Giver and His intent. We can even turn our gifts into idols, as objects of worship and worth. Forgive us, LORD!

Seeking wealth through our art is vanity. The writer of Ecclesiastes 5 writes, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income” (v. 10), and the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (v. 12b). Oh, that we would all cease striving for millionaire status and learn to be content with what we have! The secret Paul refers to is the experience of relationship with Holy Spirit, Christ’s indwelling. Really, who could ask for anything more?

Seeking fame is also vanity. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 20 that God’s definition of greatness differs from ours. “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (vv. 26b-28). Our gifts aren’t meant to make us great; they’re meant to be used in His service. As writers, people who know how to use words well, the questions in the back of our minds should always be, “What message does God want me to communicate to others? How can I use my writing to touch others’ lives with the love of Christ? How can I use my words to bless others and build them up?” We all know that words matter, that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), or in our case the pen, computer or typewriter. Let our greatness be in service to our God and the people He has made.

We can be thankful for our gifts without becoming hungry for money or fame, which are ultimately dissatisfying. With humility, God can use our writing to glorify Himself and to expand His kingdom. Our best treasures are sent on ahead, found in Heaven, the dwelling place of our hearts (Matthew 6:21), and since this is Thanksgiving month in Canada, let us be especially grateful and content with all the blessings we enjoy in His mercy and love, including our ability to write well.

________________________

For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com.