Psalm 127; Matthew 24:1–2; 1 Corinthians 3:1–11
Unless the Lord is in it, it will fail. This is a common adage heard in the church, and it is based on Psalm 127:1. Yet, the interpretation often is, if it is successful, God is in it. This spiritualizes (or over-spiritualizes) far too many things.
The sun also rises on evil and good. The rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45)
The vanity spoken of in Psalm 127:1 isn’t earthly success or failure necessarily. It’s about what it means for the Kingdom of God. Striving to be the CEO at the age of 25 (or even 65) is all well and good, but what’s the point?
Is God in Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, IBM, Apple, etc.? Yes, insofar as God is everywhere. Are they blessed by God? Insofar as they are made by people made in the image of God, yes.
That isn’t the point, though. How do each of these affect one’s relationship with God? That is the question. Whether it was the temple or it is the United States of America, in the infinite eyes of God it all falls down.
We are all called to be coworkers and laborers in God’s fields. We are called to be builders, maintainers, repairers, and even remodelers of God’s buildings. People are God’s fields. People are God’s buildings.
The Kingdom of God is for people, not stuff or titles. People are to fill the Kingdom of God for only eternal souls can fill an eternal kingdom.
※Prayer※
Eternal God, help us to grasp even a little more of what it means to be part of your eternal kingdom, glory, and family. Amen.
※Questions※
1) How can we be both laborers/builders and fields/buildings? What does this tell you about God?
2) Why is it important to acknowledge that while all success is God allowed, all success is not God blessed?