“Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him.” —John 6:27 (GNT)
Years ago, I came in contact with the scripture above, and it changed my perspective about life and everything else. It made me understand that I had been channeling all my focus on “food that spoils.” It helped me to see that there is a clear distinction between food that spoils and food that lasts for eternity.
This realization made me rethink so many things. It took my mind to something King Solomon said that I will never forget:
“I decided to enjoy myself and find out what happiness is. But I found that this is useless, too. I discovered that laughter is foolish, that pleasure does you no good. Driven on by my desire for wisdom, I decided to cheer myself up with wine and have a good time. I thought that this might be the best way people can spend their short lives on earth. I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards. I planted gardens and orchards, with all kinds of fruit trees in them; I dug ponds to irrigate them. I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem. I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. Men and women sang to entertain me, and I had all the women a man could want. Yes, I was great, greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward. Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn’t mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind—of no use at all… It is all useless.” —Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 19 (GNT)
Did you see that?
The king spoke like this because he had come to understand the same truth Jesus was speaking about in the opening text when He said, “Do not work for food that spoils” (John 6:27 GNT). The Master knew that those who only work for this kind of food end up with nothing.
Therefore, He encourages us to work for food that lasts for eternity. This means we ought to channel our energy into chasing things that have eternal worth or benefits. This can only be achieved when we commit ourselves to following the Lord, doing His will for our lives, and advancing the Kingdom agenda.
Therefore, I admonish you to follow Jesus genuinely and channel your focus, time, and resources on matters of the Kingdom. Let His priority become your priority, and let His passion become your passion. When you do this, everything you are looking for in this life will come to you effortlessly, and you will also “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20 NKJV). Hallelujah!
Today’s Rhema
Work for food that lasts for eternal life, not for food that spoils!
Confession for the Day
Father, I am grateful for opening my eyes to this truth. I therefore receive grace, wisdom, and discipline to work for food that lasts for eternity in Jesus’ name. Amen!
