“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” - Colossians 3:2

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, saith the preacher.”  - Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

    Everything upon earth, as viewed by the eyes of the Majesty of heaven—is base and paltry.  Earth is, after all, nothing but a huge clod of dust, and as such, as insignificant in the eyes of its Maker as the small dust of the balance, or the drop of the bucket.  What, then, are its highest objects—its loftiest aims—its grandest pursuits—its noblest employments—in the sight of Him who inhabits eternity, but base and worthless?

    Vanity is stamped on all earth's attainments. All earthly pursuits and high accomplishments—wealth, rank, learning, power, or pleasure—end in death! The breath of God's displeasure soon lays low in the grave all that is rich and mighty, high and proud. But that effectual work of grace on the heart, whereby the chosen vessels of mercy are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, calls them out of those low, groveling pursuits—those earthly toys—those base and sensual lusts—in which other men seek at once their happiness and their ruin.