A Weekly Devotional –Vanity– Personal Meditation

A Weekly Devotional –Vanity– Personal Meditation

Comment: The Webster new world Dictionary describes the word “vanity” as a case, a small table and chair, and a facial mirror. People use these to apply their cosmetics in a form or fashion that is self-pleasing to them. A person who uses the vanity case, the table, the chair and mirror are seeking to restore (at least their facial features) to a temporary appearance of flawless beauty. The subject of pleasing one’s self-image has a long history and can be traced back to the Garden of Eden, notice Genesis 3:6.

Devotional: Satan, that dragon, the serpent of old (Rev. 20:2) has been at work in the world since long ago, roughly 6,000 years, to change the image of mankind into his deceptive image. In this the devil is very successful, as he caused Adam and Eve to choose their self-image over God’s Image, by listening to his words rather that the words of their Creator. So, lets take a moment or two and go back six thousand years and see how all of this happened. 

Genesis 3:1 – First, Satan volitionally changed his image and likeness to that of a serpent (Ezekiel 28:14-18) this is the first use of vanity (iniquity) to change one’s self-image. The purpose, to sway Adam and Eve to consider his deception over God’s Truth. Genesis 3:2-7 – clearly reveals this deception by the offering of vanity to man to do likewise. The only restriction in the garden was discussed, and so was the covenant promise that God made with Adam. 

What is that Covenant? It is found in Genesis 1: 28-31. The Edenic Covenant was conditional; this condition is found in Genesis 2:8-17, please read these few verses. Also, God created man in God’s Image and Likeness, Genesis 1:26-2:17 (now this is a little bit of reading, but if you are interested in mankind’s vain makeover, please read). God’s creation of mankind was completely perfect, did you notice Genesis 1:31? So good was the creation of man that when God observed all that He had Created, all was perfect (very good).

Now deceived, no longer would man resemble the Image and Likeness of God, for example; God is Infinite, Holy and Righteous. Man became finite, unholy and self-righteous. God’s Image was replaced by man’s self-image, see Genesis 5:3. Yes, in the day that God created man, He created them in His Image (Genesis 5:1-2). God called them “Mankind”, this is important, don’t miss it. In Genesis 5:2 the word mankind is capitalized. Before and after this the word mankind is not capitalized. Man’s desire of his self-image is corrupted by his sin of choice to disobey God. There is much more to say about this, so we will pick this up again, next time.