16/08/2026
TOPIC: MEANINGLESS LIVING
TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:1-8; MATTHEW 4:1-11
INTRODUCTION: In continuation from the last episode we left a lot of things undiscussed. There is no doubt that some pastors are truly called of God but are so careless that they lost their schedule and unconsciously engage in worldly affairs. They have forgotten their appointment with God and are so full of self. If you are one, break the yoke from your neck otherwise you are heading nowhere. Deal with ego and humble yourself so as to learn to avoid errors. Leaders need to progress toward maturity and lead their flock into green pastures as their principal task and not to mislead as Aaron fell victim.
As such Satan can through a religious leader like Aaron associate idolatry with Christ, reorganizing the good in all religious practice and providing a worship that appeals to man’s natural heart. Note that everything was done by Aaron under the cover of religion, why? The people had no faith. They had forgotten the Passover deliverance. In response, God was angry with them.
We may sit back and conclude in our mind “how could the Israelites do something far removed from our own experience. We are however not likely to pay homage to a statue; we all face the problem of idolatry. Any person, possession or activity that become greater priority for us than our relationship with the Lord serve as an idol. People have interest in social activities like holiday, watching football, travelling and touring, playing golf etc. It is not as if they are bad, but only if they do not allow then to become their gods.
How then could things that look good be considered idol? Let’s consider the following examples:
1. I know of some people who were in love with football, when Nigerian team for example are playing any other country and happened to fall on Sunday, same time with worship hour, these ones who claimed to be Christians usually stay back to watch Nigeria match rather than being in God’s presence. It is unfortunate that they spend no time in prayer, you don’t see them in study of the scripture (Bible Study) and seldom attend corporate worship service. His relationship with the Lord is not the center of his life. Overtime in history, we have witnessed or heard of spectators who lost their lives while watching their favorite sports like football and other sports. Some of these people died without Christ. Where do you think they will end, and what do you think they will present before their maker? Earthly pleasures will pass away but we can make amends while on earth before it is too late. Make God and his Kingdom first before pleasures, Matthew 6:33.
2. Too much concentration on material acquired like cars, houses, clothes, etc which take much attention and focus with no time for God’s presence and programs except focusing on these material possessions which are perishable than time with God. People like this should not be surprised if someone referred to them as idolaters as that term accurately describes them. This challenges all to worship nothing or love things more than the living God.
3. Distraction a Trap. It is a thing of note that no one can find the deepest fulfilment and satisfaction in life apart from a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. God Almighty had for long proclaimed repentance and faith in order to experience the highest joys and deepest satisfaction available through a life devoted to Him. Life ultimate meaning is not found in high class people you come in contact with or the luxury you were expose to. Life is futility meaning breath or vapour. It refers to that which lasts no more than a fragile moment like the breath that condenses and quickly disappears on a cold harmattan day. Absolute futility refers to things that are fleeting or insubstantial or to activities that are in vain. Solomon son of King David, a man of wisdom argued in his splendor that life itself and any actions apart from God are futile. Eccl 1:1 and 2
The words of the Teacher, Son of David, King in Jerusalem, “Meaningless! Meaningless!!” says the Teacher, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
Jesus Christ, the Savior of the whole earth also cautioned against living life apart from God and acquiring things at the expense of one’s own soul. Luke 9:25
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Such a life and acquisitions are indeed futile, especially when put in the perspective of where one will spend eternity. I admonish you to please investigate your life and ways of living whether you will be qualified if Jesus should return today. To be continued …..
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make me to stand firm in you all the time and help me to observe your will till the very end. Strengthen me through the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the strategies of Satan and his cohort In Jesus Name.
