What Are You Laboring For?
Solomon speaks about the vanity, or the uselessness, of laboring all day long when in the end it will all be gone.
“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15)
So, Solomon asks this question, “As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind?” (Ecclesiastes 5:16)
If all we do is work to gain the wealth, then in the end there is no gain. Yes, we are able to pay the bills and take vacations, but in the end what will we show for it. Nothing. We came into this world naked and with nothing, and that’s the same way we’ll leave. It’s said you never see a U-Haul following a hearse.
Who or what are we laboring for?
Joshua challenged the people to choose whom they will serve.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b)
The Apostle Paul understood that the only thing that will last beyond this life is what we do in the Lord’s service.
“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-14)
The Apostle Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23)
While you work to make worldly ends meet, serve God so in the end you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website
Very well stated. One thing I pray continually is that God would remind me daily when I go to work, that the first and foremost reason He has me there is to impact the people that I work with and the individuals I care for. Ministry is not limited to what we do within the church. But as we do serve, it’s important to test our motives to always be sure that we are truly serving as unto the Lord.
Debbie, I pray you had a great Labor Day, and that I pray that Jesus give you His rest when your spirit and soul are tired and worn down by life. Take Care and God bless.