By: Sister Tarpley, NDG Religion Editor
Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:1-2 (KJV)
Imagine spending years building an expensive home with the finest materials and craftsmanship. It is a work of art, and the project is almost complete. As the day arrives to move in, a building inspector arrives and hands you a notice that condemns your beautiful home because it doesn’t meet code.
Many Christian believers who invest years in their lives will one day stand before the Lord and realize they were building the house, not the Lord. God is very picky about the motives behind the actions. Before we act, we must ask why? Why are we doing what we are doing? Has God called us to this task? Is the real motive purely financial? Control? Or, is it prestige?
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
David learned this principle by the end of his life. Throughout his life, he had learned that God always tested him to find out what was in his heart, and what his motive was in his actions. David instructed his son to “…acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (1 Chronicle 28:9a).
Be thankful that God has called you to a purpose on this earth. Be grateful for your salvation in Jesus Christ and the power God has given you through His Holy Spirit. As you start a new day, “run straight toward the goal to win the prize that our God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)
May you have a clear mind, a pure heart, and even a touch of wisdom to do what is good and right and productive this day
May your life and work glorify God and be pleasing in His sight. In the name of Jesus.
