ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, October 16, 2026
Vanity of Vanities
KEY VERSE
“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 12:8).
Bible Reading:
Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 (KJV)
8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
MESSAGE
British writer Jack Higgins, the author of the successful novel The Eagle Has Landed, was quoted to have said that when you get to the top, you’ll realize there’s nothing there. He’s not alone in this conclusion. It’s the old song of sports and pop stars, especially the notably successful ones. Tennis star Boris Becker got to the very top of the tennis world, yet he became bankrupt despite winning 13 Masters titles, three year-end championships, and an Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles in 1992. He led Germany to two Davis Cup titles in 1988 and 1989 and is said to be the youngest-ever winner of the men’s singles Wimbledon title, a feat he accomplished aged 17 in 1985. Be careful, says Becker, because “you’re not always going to be on top.”
Higgins and Becker are using the lens of man’s inadequacy to measure life performances. However, in Christ Jesus, all limitations are removed. The believer’s achievements are not tied to earthly glory but eternity with God. Whosoever fears God and keeps His commandments will discover treasures in glory that overshadow all the vanities of life. When men focus on earthly achievements, they forget the ultimate goal of existence: fear God and do His will. Life is meaningful when lived in the fear of God. It is useless when lived in furtherance of selfish pursuits.
The stories of great evangelists and pastors of old show us that a life lived for God’s glory speaks of no vanity of vanities. In the Bible we have the example of Paul the apostle. At the end, he declared: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Such a man as the great Apostle saw no vanity because he realised very quickly that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
If you are tempted to make mammon your god, think twice because “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Before worshipping at the altar of Baal, remember that God is the ultimate Judge and the only One we must worship on earth and in eternity. Only what is done for Christ lasts forever, else everything is vanity of vanities. Choose Christ and choose life today.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Without God, earthly gains are less than vanity
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Revelation 9-11
COMMENTARY
1. The Emptiness of Earthly Achievement – Jack Higgins and Boris Becker discovered that earthly success does not guarantee lasting fulfilment. Becker won everything tennis could offer but still faced bankruptcy and personal struggles. This confirms Solomon’s conclusion: without God, all is vanity.
2. The Believer’s Eternal Perspective – For the believer, achievements are not measured by earthly standards but by eternal value. What is done for Christ lasts forever. Paul, at the end of his life, looked forward to a crown of righteousness, not earthly trophies. He had an eternal perspective.
3. The Conclusion of the Matter – Solomon’s conclusion is timeless: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” This is the key to a meaningful life. Everything else is vanity. God will bring every work into judgment, whether good or evil.
4. The Danger of Making Mammon a God – The devotional warns against worshipping at the altar of Baal—making money, success, or pleasure our ultimate pursuit. Those who do so will end in emptiness. Only God deserves our worship and allegiance.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Eternal Focus – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that believers must live with eternity in view. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that earthly gains are worthless without God. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to choose Christ and live for eternal treasure.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and eternal focus.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to live for eternal things.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, save me from the vanity of pursuing earthly things. Help me to live with eternity in view. Teach me to fear You and keep Your commandments. May my life be meaningful and my achievements lasting because they are done for You. I choose Christ and eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
