Self Absorption Kills

"Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:17)

This passage was written by a man who is said to be the wisest and richest man who ever lived.

He went to extraordinary lengths to build himself the most lavish houses and gardens. He spent millions upon millions of dollars to buy every luxury known to man. He had more servants and wives than you can imagine.

And yet, near the end of his life, as a wise old man, he could lament the above statement of truth.

This wise king spent a lifetime being self absorbed—to the point that he hated his own life.

Self absorption is self-idolatry.

And self absorption kills.

It kills your peace, and it kills your joy. For, no matter how rich you may be, and how beautiful you think you are today, riches and beauty are fleeting. They will one day disappear.

The apostle wrote:

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (Mark 8:36).

The bible says that we are to set our eyes on the heavenly things, not on the temporary things of this world.

If your focus is on yourself you will continue to be an unhappy person, because we reside in fallen bodies, and live in a fallen world. There is no perfection in this life. And as we age, we are living proof of the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics—it's all breaking down.

If it hasn't already, just like it did to that wise old king, self absorption will cause you to hate your life.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Set your heart and your mind fully upon Him.

Everything else is just vanity and grasping at the wind.

—God is Love, and Love Never Fails.