Labor For What Lasts

John 6:27 Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

First impressions can tell a lot. Colin’s property was large, lush, and generously treed. The gardens were well manicured and lovingly tended to. The driveway, wider than our house, wound through open green pastures, home to well fed cattle and horses. The prospect grew increasingly more pleasing as we continued up the hill towards a generous sized homestead surrounded by vegetable gardens and fruit trees. The Barn, which had been lavishly converted to cater for weddings and other functions, was nestled close beside a stance of thick rain forest and overlooked a large dam. The wow factor of the property took my breath away.

Colin was obviously wealthy and spared nothing to enjoy the good life. Yet, after spending two hours chatting with Colin and his wife, I left desiring none of their good life. It may appear good now, but eternity will prove otherwise. I recalled the words of The Teacher in Ecclesiastes 1:14, ‘I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.’ There is work engaged in upon this earth, but when done in a spirit of self indulgence and selfishness, it profiteth nothing. Pursing our own well being does not turn out so well.

Ecclesiastes 3:9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

Jesus instructed us to labor not for the rewards that perish, but for those things which will stand the test of time and bear good reward in life everlasting. Those who labor only for earthly gain, labor in vain.

Only when we enter in the sanctuary of prayer and quietness with God, do we become enlightened as to the vanity of chasing hard after the pleasures of this world. Only then do we come to understand the end of those who seek the world, but neglect God. Psalm 73:27 is a stark reminder of this ultimate end. “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.”

However, the man and woman who are intent on pursing hard after God we cry in earnest prayer,

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

The heart of wisdom that we cry out to God for is to keep up a spiritual, not an earthly, view of things. It is pursuing a diligent contemplation of things that are above (Colossians 3:2). It is a holy contemplation of the things that Jesus pursued first. It is seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than striving for all that our flesh and the world desires. It is holding lightly the things that matter most to the world and trusting God with outcomes. So many Christians are frequently consumed with the occupations and pastimes of the culture and then wonder why life is joyless, confusing and unfulfilling. Scripture instructs us entirely differently. Seek first the Kingdom, don’t seek first the world.

It is imperative that we labor for what lasts. That we see Heavenly things more clearly and yearn all the more passionately for them. We must unburden ourselves from the earthly attachments that entangle us. Hold them very lightly, knowing they will not last.

What has you bound? Think about what you are thinking about – how often do you contemplate God, His Word, His ways and Eternal Life? In what ways are you by God’s grace, laboring right now for what is really important in light of Eternity? May the Spirit of God keep up our souls with a fresh supply of viewing and setting our mind and heart on Heavenly things.

“Heavenly Father, I desire to set my heart and mind on things that will last and bring honor to You. So many distractions and so much that seems at the time good, hinders me from glorifying You in my life. Forgive me when I am envious of what others have, particularly those who don’t know You. Help me Holy Spirit to remember their end and yearn only for what is imperishable, growing less drawn and satisfied with the perishable. Thank you.”