Not in vain

ant

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I saw this ant hauling a wing that must outweigh it by far. Amazing it can pull so much weight! But what for? Made me think the same way. I can outspend myself, but what for? Do I see results? Paul often asked the same question:

Galatians 2:2 “running in vain”
Galatians 4:11 “wasted my efforts”
Phil 2:16 “labor for nothing”
1 Thess 3:5 “useless efforts”


but he also assures us: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” 1 Cor 15:58

My conclusion is that if God is not in our efforts, then they are useless, but if we are following His direction, then it is not in vain.

“Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1

“apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5

““I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.” Is. 48:17