(John 6:27–29, NIV) “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Jesus wastes no words here.
He looks at men who are busy, productive, and hardworking—and tells them plainly:
You’re working for the wrong thing.
“Do not work for food that spoils.”
Men understand work. We grind, build, provide, and plan. But Jesus draws a hard line between temporary provision and eternal purpose. One feeds the body for a moment. The other sustains the soul forever.
God did not come into the world merely to improve our lives here—He came to save us from sin, rescue us from judgment, and prepare us for a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Those who love Jesus and obey Him will live forever in a world without sickness, death, injustice, poverty, or fear. Those who reject Him will face eternal judgment.
That reality demands a question every man must answer honestly:
Why are we pouring our lives into what will not last?
Houses will burn.
Wealth will vanish.
Careers will end.
Everything visible is temporary.
Only people reconciled to God will live forever.
When the crowd asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” they expected a list—rules, rituals, achievements.
Jesus gave them one command:
“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Belief here is not passive. It is allegiance. Trust. Submission. A reordering of priorities. To believe in Jesus is to stake your life—and your family’s future—on Him.
God has entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to men who know Him. It begins at home. Fathers are called to lead their children to Christ, not merely to success. Husbands are called to shepherd their families toward eternity, not just comfort. Brothers, neighbors, and friends are not interruptions to our lives—they are our mission.
Too many Christian men are losing their children to the world’s values because they are absent, distracted, or silent about Christ. Too many parents, siblings, and friends are drifting toward eternity without God because we are too busy, too comfortable, or too ashamed to speak.
This is not a small failure.
Eternity is at stake.
Our vocation may pay the bills—but our occupation is the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
The fields are ripe. The time is short. The call is clear.
Run Today’s Play: Stop measuring success by what you accumulate.
Start measuring faithfulness by who you are leading to Christ.
Repent of misplaced priorities.
Recommit to believing Jesus—not just with words, but with your life.
Pray by name for those in your care.
Speak the gospel without delay.
Lead your home toward eternity.
Don’t work for what spoils.
Work for what endures.
