Growing up, the saying was popular, “He’s so heavenly minded, he’s no earthly good.” It may have been in response to legitimate flaws in the object of scorn, but the logic runs counter to the Bible. In fact, Scripture makes it pretty clear that a heavenly mindset is the key to living a meaningful and productive life. As evidence for this, consider the testimony of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes and the Apostle Peter. Each in his own way shows us the way to finding hope in a vain world.
The Preacher
No one will ever accuse the Preacher in Ecclesiastes of being too heavenly minded. He tries to keep his focus “under heaven.”
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?… I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecc. 1:2-3, 14)
The writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to argue that, from a merely earthly perspective, it doesn’t matter how you live. The same fate awaits all (Ecc. 3:19). Much knowledge brings much sorrow (Ecc. 1:18). Both the wise and the fool are soon forgotten (Ecc. 2:16). We toil all our lives only to leave the fruit of our labor to eventual loss or ruin (Ecc. 2:18-23).
The Apostle
On the other hand, the Apostle Peter proclaimed a message of hope:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfailing, kept in heaven for you who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time. (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Now lest we think this merely a burst of religious enthusiasm on Peter’s part in contrast with the Preacher’s sober assessment of life, listen to the apostle’s exhortation: “Therefore, being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter has not forgotten the lessons “under the sun.” He speaks of the “futile ways inherited from your forefathers” (1 Pet. 1:18). Though he acknowledges the reality of grief and painful trials (1 Pet. 1:6, 4:12), yet he calls his readers to rejoice. What legitimate reason could he have for doing that? Actually, he had excellent reasons.
Ransomed Children
For one thing, Peter saw that, as believers in Christ, they were ransomed from those futile ways by something far more valuable that silver and gold, “by the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:19, 3:18). Would the Father spend such a priceless commodity only to neglect his purchase? Impossible! For, where his treasure is there his heart is also (Matt. 6:21).
On the contrary, their relationship to the holy and impartial Judge, is that of Father and child. Therefore, they aspire to holiness, not to avoid his wrath, but to delight in his pleasure (1 Pet. 1:14-16).
It’s a Wonderful Life
Far from vanity, by their union with Christ, they were heirs of a wondrous living hope, a mystery long anticipated and now clearly revealed. Furthermore, the saving work that God is accomplishing now in them is something “to which angels long to look” (1 Pet. 1:10-12). One author described it this way:
The peculiar mode of expression probably alludes to the figures of the cherubim above the mercy-seat, who with downcast eyes were represented as looking on the mercy-seat, as if seeking to penetrate the mystery of wisdom and kindness which the fiery law covered by the blood-sprinkled golden propitiatory [place of atonement], embodied. (John Brown)
That earthly picture finds its heavenly fulfillment in the angelic wonder focused on the blood-washed church of Jesus Christ here on earth (cf. Eph. 3:10).
A valuable resource for those searching for hope:
Returning Exiles
In addition, Peter reminded them of the temporary nature of their current condition. They were exiles (1 Pet. 1:17) awaiting the climactic outcome of their faith, salvation and reunion with their Savior (1 Pet. 1:9, 5:10). They served their King on foreign soil, but their hope and longing was for home. While here, Peter says, live lives of submission and respect to authorities, perseverance in doing good in the face of opposition, patience in suffering, and establishing godly homes (1 Pet. 2:11-3:7). To what end? “That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
The Crux of the Matter
Ultimately, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes used the vanity of life to point us beyond this life:
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc. 12:13-14)
In other words, being earthly minded is foolish and shortsighted. Wisdom requires looking to eternity.
The apostle Peter, on the other side of the cross, speaks with more clarity. He exhorts us to earthly goodness by pointing us to heavenly realities.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (1 Pet. 1:22-25)
Only the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has the power to move us from “vanity of vanities” to “living hope” and “joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Pet. 1:8). By God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can find hope in this vain world. That gospel hope stirs us to loving service and earthly good.