Are You Working Only for Perishable Food?

Posted: 26 Apr 2009 09:00 PM PDT
Acts 6:8-15 / Jn 6:22-29
One of the nastiest mistakes we can make is to forget about some especially tasty leftovers in a dark corner of our refrigerator. Eventually they reappear, and it’s not a pretty sight! What warmed our heart and delighted our palate only days before has been transformed into a ghastly mess which threatens to walk out of the refrigerator on its own power. The costly ingredients and the hours of preparation are a total loss.

One wonders how much of our labor and striving falls into that same category — huge efforts leading to nothing. Jesus warns us about that in today’s gospel, “You should not be working for perishable food, but for food that remains unto life eternal.” Indeed so.
The problem is that we forget to ask that simplest of all questions: Is what I’m doing taking me where I really want to go? Will it last, or will all my hard work turn to dust in my hands? Even when we remember to ask the question, we sometimes get the wrong answer, because we answer too fast.

So take some time every day to look at what you’re doing and where you’re going. Remember the big vision that Jesus gave you. Being faithful to that vision and to Him and He will keep you on track and keep you moving forward. And when your days are done, there will be more in your hands and in your heart than dry dust and spoiled leftovers. Much, much more, indeed!