UNLESS!
There is so much meaning packed into the little word ‘vain.’ In addition to other implications, vain is defined as ineffectual or unsuccessful; futile; without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless.
Have you experienced feelings of worthlessness or insignificance? Have you ever felt as though all your effort was for nothing? Does the phrase ‘spinning your wheels’ appear to be a frequent theme in your life? Consider this: your worth, significance, and effectualness comes directly from your relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” There is a two-fold message in this verse that we must not overlook. First of all, God must be involved in our efforts. Secondly, we must be putting forth an effort. Both are important. Many believers read the first and focus upon ‘unless the Lord builds’ and ‘unless the Lord watches.’ Then, they relegate all responsibility to the Lord and completely omit their own. The reverse scenario also takes place in which many believers try to do the work in their own strength or effort.
Doing the work in your own strength or not doing the work at all will bring results most accurately described by the word ‘vain.’
I pray for your life and efforts to be effectual, successful, valued, and of much worth! Let’s do the work and let’s do it in the strength, wisdom, and love of the Lord.
Love,
Pastor Gary
