“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life…” (John 6:27)
Jesus was trying to teach the people that in life there are things which are temporary and things which are eternal, and one who is wise will labor for that which is eternal.
The truth Jesus is trying to teach us is that we should put more effort into our spiritual welfare than we do into our physical welfare. Let me give you an example: the average church member spends more time preparing themselves physically to come to church than they do preparing themselves spiritually to come to church. They may spend an hour or more showering, ironing their clothes, putting on makeup, preparing their hair, brushing their teeth, etc. Yet, they don’t spend 15 minutes preparing their hearts to receive and obey the sermon they are about to hear!
Some want to be first in line to eat food at the church’s cookout, where food for the body is given out. But they will come in late (if they come at all) to preaching time where food for their soul is being dispersed.
Laboring for that which is temporary, and will perish, is like working a dead end job! The wise man will lay up treasures in heaven. The wise man will labor for “that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.”
Examine yourself, this morning. How many things are you involved in which have no eternal significance whatsoever. How much of your time is spent laboring on things which have no eternal impact for the kingdom of God?