Introductory Thoughts
Man’s strength is far from limitless. This is why it is so important for man to spend his strength on things that matter and spiritually make a difference. The Lord cautioned His people in Leviticus that their labour would not result in an increase because of their rebellion. The harder they worked, the more vain the outcome. Unfortunately, man tends to expend far too much of his limited strength upon vain things. For instance, man spends much of his strength labouring “for the meat which perisheth” (John 6:27). Additionally, he spends his strength labouring without the help of God (Psalm 127:1). Both of these are unfortunately common and wasteful. Man must focus his energies upon the right things while working through and by the power of God.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): When Gods people stopped working on His temple, they laboured in vain (Haggai 1:3-7; Haggai 2:15-17). We should work with the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1a). The work we do for Him is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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(For everyone): Are you spending your strength in vain? Are you labouring in things that have no eternal value? Are you labouring apart from the help of the Lord?
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What are some things upon which men spend their strength that could be considered vain or empty? How many of these things consume your strength on a regular basis?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you labour with His help.
- Ask God to help you labour for things that have eternal value.
Song
GOD OF OUR STRENGTH
