“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers.”
from your aimless conduct
God not only redeems us from eternal death but from purposelessness. God’s redemption extends to our daily manner of life. If our conduct yields no result, our way of life is vain.
Acts 14:15 uses the term “aimless” for idolatrous practices:
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them.”
The gods of the nations are vain. Only the one true and living God, who is known as he makes himself known, can save us from futility. It is faith in God, however, which enables the Old Testament bluntly to extend the sphere of vanity to all values.
In 1 Corinthians 3:20, the thoughts of the wise are vain:
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
Even Christian faith itself is futile if it does not rest on the historical fact of the resurrection. Our faith is vain if Christ has not risen:
“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished,” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Foolish questionings and strife are vain:
“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless,” (Titus 3:9).
Religion with an unbridled tongue is vain:
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless,” (James 1:26).
PRINCIPLE:
God gives purpose to our lives in time.
APPLICATION:
Do you have a clear idea of God’s purpose for your life? God’s purpose for us is to glorify himself. We do not glorify God if we have a loose tongue or if we live in constant conflict. God’s ultimate purpose for us is that His character and work will be reflected in our lives.
