Bible Reading: 1 Chron. 4, 5, 6; John 6:1-24
“Jesus answered them and said, verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” – John 6:26-27 (KJV)
There are different reasons for embarking on some things in life. For instance, someone may decide to acquire landed property for the purpose of putting up a structure which would accommodate him and his family. Whereas, another person also may acquire the same landed property for the purpose of using it for commercial reason. Some may go abroad on business trip while some others may go there for leisure or holiday. Reasons vary from one person to the other.
Similarly, the motivation to follow Jesus Christ varies from person to person. The Lord nipped the pretence of the people in the bud when He made it clear to them that, the reason for their seeking Him was not connected to the miracle of feeding multitudes with the little provision but because they ate! A lot of people belong to some churches today because of business connection, not necessarily because they are receiving the engrafted Word of God. A lot attend Christian meetings today because of the foods that are being served. The reaction they put up at the distribution of the food, in most cases, is discouraging. No doubt, food is essential to life, but there should be decorum when we attend meetings where food is being shared.
Jesus Christ told them that, they should not labour for the food that perishes. The question you should ask yourself is this, what dominates my labour in life especially in my service to God? Is it on what would fill my stomach or what would earn me everlasting life? Only the One that has the Father’s seal is capable of giving eternal life, so I encourage you not to waste this golden opportunity which shall not always be available. It is time bound!
Prayer: Lord, help me to give my labour to what leads to eternal life always in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole