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

Vanity is something useless, incomplete, hollow, empty, brief, and without foundation. That is how King Salomon defined his life; a man who did not only have wealth and fame (1 Kings 3:13), but is considered the wisest man that ever lived (1 Kings 3:12).

Solomon had the ability to enjoy life and do the right things, but didn’t lived his life according to his ability.

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.  I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure… Then I looked … and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Towards the end of his life Solomon realized that he had not benefited from what had achieved, and that the true value of life lies in seeking God.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Why Solomon’s wisdom did not help him?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. – Psalm 111:10

We can say that Solomon stopped fearing God and began to live la “vida loca”, which means  living life doing what you want, as you want and when you want, regardless of God’s will.

Like Solomon, many people achieve fame, wealth and / or power and still fail to achieve happiness.

How should we live our life?

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10

Jesus didn’t give his life so we could live la “vida loca”, but an abundant life: a life that brings more life, and no condemnation.

God expects us to live our lives obeying His commandments (Love the Lord your God … love your neighbor as yourself. “- Matthew 22:37-39) and doing His work (created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them – Ephesians 2:10)

Every one decides how to live their life. But the decision is not without consequences. We can live la “vida loca”, but …

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. – Matthew 16:26

How do you want to live your life? Is it the same way Solomon did? Your answer should be based on how you want to spend eternity?

It’s time to live your life, not “loca”, but a according to God’s purpose.

• Choosing a fresh mint instead of our favorite dessert
• Choosing a video game instead of a vacation in Europe as a birthday present
• Choosing a job with a salary of $ 20,000 over one with a salary of $ 60,000

These decisions do not make sense. This is called conforming (to be satisfied, get used, settle).

Does it makes sense to be satisfied with less? Does it makes sense to settle for the minimum? Does it makes sense to get used to anything but the best?

However, there are people who conform to live their lives receiving the minimum when they could get the best.

• Peace that depends on circumstances
• Brief joy
• Confidence on possessions
• No hope of eternal life.

Living like that is living a mediocre life. Why? Because for each of these cases, and others, there is a better alternative available to all of us: Jesus.

In him…

• the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
• we have everlasting joy (Isaiah 61:7), and we have joy in the midst of any circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:10)
• we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)
• we have “eternal life“. (John 3:16)

And, if any area was not covered,

• Through Jesus we can live our lives “more abundantly”. – John 10:10

Why conform? Are you getting the best in every area of your life? Do not conform. Get the best for your life. Get Jesus.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

Have you ever bought a Season Pass to an attraction? They usually are a little expensive but they provide a lot of benefits if you want to go the the attraction multiple times during the season.

• No lanes to make to get your tickets.
• Free parking or parking discounts
• Go as many times as you want
• Special events
• etc.

Sounds like a good deal, but only if you take advantage of all the benefits. Last year I bought season passes for my family to an attraction near our house. I thought I made a good deal. However, after the initial excitement of the first three visits, we didn’t go back to the attraction. So, my initial calculation of the benefits of buying a season pass were not met. You can imagine how it feels to have the right to do something, but not taking advantage of it.

That is what happens with most people. Jesus said that he came so we could have an abundant life (John 10:10b), but we don’t take advantage of it. Jesus got a season ticket for us, but we got conformed with the initial benefits we received.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. – Ephesians 1:17-19

Why shall we conformed with less than the riches of his glorious inheritance, and his incomparably great power? We are not missing our investment, but we are missing the opportunity to live the abundant life Jesus won for us.

Are you going to settle for a mediocre life? Not me. I want my portion of the riches of his glorious inheritance, and his incomparably great power acting in my life.