A Mind To Work

"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." (Neh. 4: 6 KJV)

If we are going to be "workaholics," let us be so in the work of God! So said Jesus:

"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: 27 NIV) 

Work, and work hard, to obtain that spiritual food which benefits the soul both now and forever! Work for food that does not spoil! Labor industriously for the food of the soul and spirit, of the heart and mind, rather than of the body. 

Today, as a result of God's judgment on sin, there is "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." (Amos 8: 11 KJV) 

Most people work and toil hard for food, and the reason for this is sin, as Genesis 3: 19 says. God said to Adam and Eve in their sentencing - "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground." 

Men work hard for their food, laboring to stay alive thereby. But, what of the food that does not spoil? We cannot be lazy or slothful in working for our "daily bread," or else we will starve and die. So too for the soul's bread, or "soul food." So the apostle exhorted:

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Rom. 12:11-12 KJV)

"That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Heb. 6: 12 KJV)

Paul was not afraid to work hard for his food!

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me...Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15: 10, 58 KJV)

We must work for that food that is comparable to the heavenly manna, or "angel's food." (Psa. 78: 25)

People often warn saying "you are what you eat." This is true and worth heeding. It is true as regards feeding the mind and soul as well as the body.

As regards eating spiritual food, or feasting upon God's word, let us all be "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine." (I Tim. 4: 6)

You cannot be harmed by overeating spiritually! 

Which do you work harder for, earthly food or spiritual food?

Many are fat and well fed in their physical bodies but they are "skin and bones" in their hearts and minds! Many are feasting on the finest foods, for the body, but are suffering famine in their souls. How is it with you? Have you lost your spiritual appetite?