In 2 Kings we read about how King after King “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” Over and over they abandon God’s law and His covenant to pursue the gods of neighboring nations. However, there’s an interesting statement in the second half of 2 Kings 17:15: “And they followed vanity and became vain, and went after the nations which surrounded them, concerning which the LORD had commanded them not to do like them (NASB).”
Dictionary.com defines vain as “excessively proud of or concerned about one’s own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.; conceited.” It’s at the heart of why Israel wandered away from God. They became more concerned about what others thought of them than their image in the eyes of God. They took their eyes off God and focused on how they appeared to others. It’s evidence that humanity hasn’t changed much in thousands of years.
It’s hard not to be drawn into being concerned what others think of us. It can be as simple as a degrading comment from a family member, a friend who gets a promotion at work or even someone who drives a car that’s so much better than the 10 year-old clunker you drive. There is so much in our world that is built on appearances — so much that can detract from our real image in God.
When we lose sight of who we are in God; when we lapse in following God’s law; when we fail to enter into His presence, we miss out on the good things God offers us. Once the Israelites pursued vanity, they become entwined with other nations. Eventually they were taken captive by other nations and evicted from the good land God gave them.
It’s a warning to us about the dangers of getting drawn into the vanity of the world around us. When we lose sight of who God is and what he asks us to do, we fall prey to the destructive nature of vanity. God created you with purpose. In Him you will find your true worth.
© 2022, Chris G Thelen
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
140 Character Christian 
How easily we lose sight of our Lord Jesus, and allow the things of this world to fill our vision instead! It’s a constant battle, but one well worthy the fight. HE’s the One who supplies the peace, joy, contentment, and more that we crave. “Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25a)!
Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Well said. May we find contentment in our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessings.
Too often I crave the instant praise of men instead of living in a way that will receive “Well done….” from my Savior.
That’s a good verse to remember — to help us focus on what pleases God. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman (or man) who fears the Lord shall be praised.”
Your piece also reminds me of how Israel wanted a king to rule over them—like all the other nations. That was a bad idea. King Saul turned out to be, well, vain.
Blessings, brother!
Thanks for those added points. Another good reminder. Blessings to you as well.
Amen Chris. It is too easy as you say to lose sight of who we are when we allow our hearts to stray from the love of Jesus. Thanks for sharing.
Thank for stopping by and commenting. Blessings to you this day.