Labor For The Lord

John 6:27 (NKJV)
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

Within this chapter, Jesus provides for and ministers to the masses. He fed 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves. He walked on water and then the people wanted more. He then told the people where their focus needed to be within God’s provision.

He tells us not to labor for earthly food or possessions. Is Jesus telling us not to have a job, have a career or provide for our family? In no way is He saying this. Timothy reminds us, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”, (I Timothy 5:8, NKJV). We need to provide for our family, work for a living and do all that we can to show excellence in professionalism and moral character amidst a fallen world.

But, our primary focus in life should not be labor or money. Our first and foremost desire in life must be to please God. If we please God in all that we do, walking by faith, it is then that we will give no thought for food or clothes. God will provide all our needs when we trust Him. We need to labor, primarily for heavenly treasure. Some of these treasures are the salvation of the souls for others and our family, the spread of the gospel, a morally pure life style and seeking God with our whole heart, soul and mind.

Food and possessions will decay and/or get lost or stolen. But heavenly treasure will endure eternally. These things are the least we can do for Jesus Who gave us His very life. He also has sealed us with His Spirit, making heaven unchangeably secure for His children. Once the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, we need to respond in complete dedication.

The major difference between earthly and heavenly treasures is timing and endurance. When we labor for money or things, we will see the reward of our labor very quickly. But, God’s rewards for eternal labor, many times, will not actualize until heaven. God’s amazing memory forgets nothing. He will remember all self-less deeds, whether done in public or private. God’s bank account cannot be stolen or changed like an earthly account. Matthew tells us, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, (Matthew 6:20-21, NKJV) Examine your own heart, is your primary treasure heavenly or earthly?

Thoughts, comments, objections.



Daniel A. Smith