Vanity Fair is a scene in John Bunyan’s famous book The Pilgrim’s Progress. It depicts a carnival-type atmosphere where morality is scorned, naysayers are suspicious, justice is denied, and vanity and pride are the rule of the day. 

There are many good things about the times in which we live. I appreciate our freedoms (including religious freedoms), democracy, health care, the cookie aisle at the grocery store, and the beauty of nature.

But make no mistake about it: Vanity Fair is in the air.

One of the famous places in which vanity is discussed in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 1:14 (ESV): “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.” Through the book, the author reflects on life and wonders about its meaning. In many places he seems to have a pretty bleak outlook.

But notice his specific words. Everything is vanity “that is done under the sun.” That’s a reference to what we see with our eyes down here on earth. In other words, when we stop living by faith, and when we forget about eternal things only to focus on temporary pursuits, it is indeed hard to make sense of it all. It’s only by keeping the big picture in mind that we can be confident that everything will one day turn out as it should.

There’s something else too. When we stop focussing on God, we tend to focus on ourselves. The world becomes a kind of vanity fair that is dismissive—or even hostile—toward God. The Hebrew word for vanity is hevel. It is sometimes translated as vapour, meaninglessness or futility. When we become us-focussed and instead of God-focussed that’s what often happens.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because in a world where many people probably don’t seem to notice or care about your faithfulness, you need a reminder that it matters to God. 

-In a world where anger and apathy are much too common, your love and servanthood matter.
-In a world where pride runs rampant, your humility and obedience matters.
-In a world where vanity fair is in the air, your faith and character matter.

Others may not see. They may not notice. When they do see or notice, they might even make fun of you for it. But that’s okay. God sees. He notices. He blesses. In Bunyan’s story, as Christian journeys forward he is more concerned with the blessings he’s giving than with the scornings he’s receiving—and there are many.

May it be so with us. 

Faith. Love. Servanthood. Humility. Obedience. Faith. Character. 

And eternity with the Lord of Life.

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