My Dear Friends,

The more we live, the more we are experiencing about vanities.  We soon find out that

human beings have a short life.  We were born, then we are getting old quickly.  When we are advanced in age, we get sicker and sicker.  Each day of our life that passes, we are coming to the process of dying.  When we die sooner or later, we have to leave everything behind or transfer it to somebody else.  This is life – “C’est la vie!”

No wonder King Solomon, who was one of the richest people in history, is credited with writing the book of Ecclesiastes.  He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines.  He could get anything he wanted any time he wanted.  Many people today are trying hard to become more like Solomon.  They want to be able to relax “for years to come,” to “eat heartily, drink well,” and enjoy themselves.  But remember: they are fools, for “all things are vanity!”

With this in mind, we should have the courage to stand firm in our faith and seek “what is above; think of what is above, not what is on earth.  And put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire.”

Scripture says: “What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?”  You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God.  Therefore, “set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand.  Just try to build up and store treasure in the Kingdom of God.

How can we make a “deposit” in heaven?  You and I know the core of our belief: “Love your God with all your mind, your heart, your whole being and love neighbors as yourselves.”  Go and practice it!

Lord, send out your Spirit and help us to grasp reality so that we might always work for the Kingdom despite any price or any sacrifice even death for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.