As followers of Christ, we’ve always learned that having an intimate relationship with Jesus — spending time in prayer and reading His Word are vital everyday, in and out of season.
In order to be faithfully seeking the Lord, there are questions we have to ask and reflect on, in order to guard ourselves:
What do we really work for right now? What do we prioritize the most? Do we just focus on the temporal — material things, career, promotion, good food, travel, or other stuff that will not last forever? Do we seek satisfaction from things that won’t matter in the end?
I myself struggled with these things especially when the pandemic started. As a young adult who is goal-driven, dedicated, and passionate in my job, I had been really devasted with how the crisis negatively impacted my work circumstances. Since the company advised that we can only work three times a week and even hearing bad news about colleagues getting retrenched, I needed to face some big adjustments with my financial standing and career stability. I got worried too much, that I came to a point of finding myself anxious, depressed, and questioning my capabilities.
Refocusing
Then, I took time to step back and reflect, and I realized that it was my career taking toll on me all this time. I was so focused on pushing myself to earn more money and get promoted that I almost forgot the One who alone can only satisfy my soul, and that is Jesus alone.
It is NOT my work — which has then been my life’s focus that time, and my source of security and comfort.
It is NOT anything else in this world, but Jesus alone who satisfies and completes us.
He graciously led me to this verse:
“Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” — John 6:27a
The career I had was once the food I worked for that spoiled. My career gave me fleeting satisfaction that only kept me wanting more and left my heart and soul rotten.
The food that endures forever
When I decided to leave the corporate world, I didn’t think twice. I fully surrendered to the Lord and placed my trust in Him that He will satisfy me with all good things, the sum of which is Himself. (Psalm 103:5). Gratefully, the Lord provided a job that will draw me closer to Him and let me spend more time with my family. Indeed, He can turn things out beautifully! *Teary eyed*
Truly, we are living in a temporary, decaying world. Covid 19 has been taking the lives of many and all other calamites have been tragically taking place. Jesus is reminding us that all of the things in this world will surely pass away. Our jobs, businesses, investments, houses, possessions, relationships, and all other earthly things will perish.
Let us keep ourselves focused on working for things of eternal significance. Let us forsake the food that spoils which will never satisfy. I pray dear Christian, may we feed on Christ alone.
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Angela Anicete
8/11/2021