In Vain

¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to^[a] those he loves.

Psalms 127:1-2 

The writer of psalms, most likely Solomon in this case, is not stating the literal, but the figurative. Solomon states that the work we do should ultimately be done to glorify God, if not, then the workers have toiled in vain. Essentially this passage is saying that if we do not work for God's glorification, our work is done to glorify us. Coming from the wealthiest, wisest and extravagant ruler of the Jewish Kings, if anyone, Solomon had knew what all his toiling in his life was for... “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). In the end his life's work was meaningless and he lost favor and sight of God. At least this saves me the trouble of finding this out for myself.

The message of pride once again hits home for me. Why do people build the largest towers, or hold the most wealth? Ultimately if they don't do it for God, its for themselves. To prove to everyone that they are great. But what kind of lasting legacy does that leave them? Sure I feel like these people might be recognized for a few decades or even a centuries, but in the end... compared to God's timeline, they are easily forgotten. The work I do for God leaves a lasting impression on the grander scale of eternity. The time, effort, finances, sweat, tears, pain... for God's glory can save a life that is meant to be eternally condemned. Yet whenever I do work I do it for selfish gains. I lose sight of why God has put me on this world. I got to remember... It's not for self glorification, but it's for God glorification. Everything goes back to the one who created me. The blessings, gifts and talents. All goes back to God.

I need to stop living pridefully, and start living humbly.

Jesus forgive me for living such a selfish life. I do lose sight of what you called me to do. Help me to better practice living selflessly and humbly, so that my work and toiling can ultimately impact eternity for someone's life. Help me to love the unlovable and to show compassion for those lost. Bring me to situations where I can exercise what you are telling me in this passage.

In Jesus Name
Amen