Stop the scrolling for just one minute and ask yourself the toughest question: Is what you’re chasing right now going to matter in 100 years? We live in a world obsessed with acquisition—the faster car, the bigger house, the next promotion. But every culture, across all time, has recognized the profound, sobering truth captured in the Swahili proverb, "DUNIA NI MAPITO"—The world is a passing phase. This isn't a message of doom, but an urgent invitation to wake up and invest your life in something that truly lasts. It calls us to sober reflection on where we place our energy, hope, and trust.
Take a moment to reflect on your life right now, and the inevitable shifts that await:
- Today you are young, tomorrow you will be old.
- Today you have strength, tomorrow you will be frail.
- Today you are respected, tomorrow you might be scorned.
We are alive today, but death awaits us all (James 4:14 reminds us that life "is even a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes"). You alone will bear the outcome of your decisions, and ultimately, you too will be judged.
Everything is Meaningless (A Chase After the Wind)
The Bible is unflinching in its assessment of life lived solely "under the sun", focused purely on earthly achievements, wealth, and pleasure. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes concluded that all earthly pursuits are "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
We may chase careers, accumulate possessions, or seek fame, but without an eternal anchor, it is all "a chasing after the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
You may gain everything—money, power, and prestige, but in the end, you will lose everything. The reason is simple: "The world and its desires pass away" (1 John 2:17).
Invest in the Eternal by Fixing Our Eyes on What is Unseen
Since nothing you have accumulated today will accompany you into eternity—for "we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (1 Timothy 6:7), we must shape our lives with the destination in mind.
We are urged to drastically change our focus:
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Our true citizenship is not here. Therefore, the Apostle Paul instructs us:
"Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1-2)
Invest your energy into things that last, things that cannot be destroyed by the decay of this world: "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20).
The Only Treasure to chase after is A Good Name and the Knowledge of God
It is better to have a good name, a reputation built on integrity, kindness, and righteousness, than to possess all the gold and wealth the world has to offer: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1).
Ultimately, the antidote to vanity, the true source of eternal life, is found in a relationship with God. The most important pursuit is not gaining wealth or fame, but knowing the Creator Himself.
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3)
Live righteously today as if you will die tomorrow. Always do good, for your actions and deeds are the only things that will follow you.
The conclusion to all of life's passing phases is this: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Choose what is good in the sight of God and humanity. Your legacy of faith and deeds is the only true treasure that endures.
Call to Action: Changing Your Investment Strategy
The world will pass, but your legacy will not. Choose what is good in the sight of God and humanity.
Here are three practical steps you can take today to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal:
- Reevaluate Your Schedule: Review your calendar for the upcoming week. What activities are you prioritizing that build lasting character and relationships? Dedicate specific time daily to seeking the knowledge of God through prayer and scripture reading.
- Practice Radical Kindness: Always do good. Find one person this week whom you can genuinely help or encourage without expecting anything in return. Your deeds of love are the true treasures you are storing in heaven.
- Define Your Legacy: If the only thing you left behind were your actions, what would your life say? Use that answer to make better, more intentional decisions today.
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