“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, ESV).

Lately, multiple people have asked me if I was tired. I am not and decided it must be my droopy eyelids. I planned to fix things with a bit of surgery that was scheduled for this coming Friday, which I later realized was Good Friday. During my morning run today, I became overwhelmed with the thought of my vanity surgery on the day Jesus hung naked on the cross. So, when I reached work this morning, I called the surgeon and cancelled. Next time I’ll just flash an energetic smile when people consider my facial fatigue.

I have absolutely nothing against cosmetic surgery. For many it may be God’s best plan for their lives, but for me, this time, it was vanity.

Vanity comes in all shapes and sizes. Vanity in the modern sense of the word says, “Look at me. I am worth looking at.”  “Vanity” in Ecclesiastes carries even greater weight, with the original Hebrew meaning of “absurdity.”

How absurd it is to point to myself on the day that Christ gave all of Himself for me. Not only did He die so that I might live, but He asked me to do the same. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34b, ESV).

There is nothing wrong and much good about wanting to look our best, but it’s a matter of focus and time. Life on this side of glory is so short. Is there really time for me to waste on the absurdity of self-esteem when I should be focused on bringing esteem to the One who one day “…by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21, NIV).

God can glorify His name with my droopy lids if I choose to let Him do so. I hope to let Him.

Dear Father,

Let me think of myself much less and think of your cross much more.

Amen