Laboring in Vain

November 6, 2007

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Eating the bread of anxious toil;
For he gives sleep to his beloved.

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Today's scripture is brief, but poignant. The first verse reminds us that nothing is accomplished without God. To believe that human efforts achieve greatness from their own merit is erroneous. Without God, nothing is possible. The second verse tells us that excessive efforts on our part to make a living are signs that we do not yet fully depend upon God's presence and help.

While it's easy to say that we should depend upon God for our every need, I am caught between responsible living and faith. Have you ever heard someone say that they don't need to wear a seat belt, because if it's their time to go, they'll go? While I see the frame work of their argument, I am not convinced of its full-proof nature. If we should depend upon God for everything, then why do we bother getting a job or an education? Why do we go to the grocery store if God will provide for those who have faith? Even the most devout Christians have jobs, a pay check, and shop at the grocery store.

Psalm 127 does not negate responsible living. The house must be built; the city must be guarded. The difference lies in the material of the foundation and the intention of the guarding. To do these things without any acknowledgment that God is present and active in our world is to labor in vain. In our living and doing, we must remember that God is the true source of all that we have. We do not operate independently of God; rather, we operate in God's world and should conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God.

God has chosen us to be God's stewards, to be caretakers of this world. To act like what we have is an accomplishment unto ourselves is false living. There is a Simpsons episode where the family is seated around the table for dinner. Marge, the mother, asks Bart, the son, to say grace for dinner. Bart says, "Dear God, We bought this food ourselves. Thanks for nothing." Although most of us would be appalled to hear something like that said at the dinner table, we sometimes live this way. We forget to give thanks to God. Although God expects us to live responsible lives that yield to us a pay check, a roof over our heads, and food on our table, we must remember that God is the one that gives us ultimate meaning and purpose in life.

This scripture reminds us to give credit where credit is due. Without God, nothing is possible.

Prayer: God remind me that without you, my efforts are in vain. You are the source of all that is good and right. May my life reflect your glory. Amen.

For more information

Rev. Leigh Martin
College Chaplain
Hasty Student Life Center, Room 308
lsm@reinhardt.edu
O: 770.720.5634
F:  770.720.9105