“Do not labour for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” — John 6:27 (KJV)
We often thank God for the blessings He has given us—our families, possessions, opportunities, careers, relationships, and many other things. Every good gift ultimately comes from God, and we should always be grateful for His provision.
But there is an important spiritual question we must ask:
Are we looking at the blessing, or are we looking at the One who blesses us?
There is a great difference between the two.
When the Blessing Becomes More Important Than God
The people followed Jesus because they had eaten the bread and were satisfied. Jesus knew their hearts. He told them:
“Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.”
— John 6:26 (KJV)
They were interested in what Jesus could give them, but Jesus wanted them to understand something deeper.
He warned them not to labour merely for food that perishes, but for the food that endures unto eternal life.
Earthly blessings are temporary.
Money can disappear. Possessions can break. Careers can change. Relationships can change. Health can change. The things we enjoy today may not remain tomorrow.
Therefore, we must never allow God’s blessings to become more important than God Himself.
The blessing should lead us closer to the Blesser—not farther away from Him.
Look at the One Who Blesses You
The story of Abraham and Lot gives us a powerful spiritual picture.
Lot looked toward the well-watered plains and chose what appeared attractive and prosperous. Abraham, however, continued to trust God.
Lot’s eyes were drawn toward the visible blessing.
Abraham’s eyes remained toward God.
The difference eventually became evident.
What Lot considered a blessing became connected with destruction, while Abraham continued walking under God’s covenant blessing.
This teaches us that not everything that looks like a blessing is necessarily beneficial to our spiritual life.
Sometimes what appears attractive to our eyes can become a distraction from God’s purpose.
We need spiritual discernment to distinguish between:
- What God has given us
- What the world is offering us
- What our flesh desires
- What God actually wants for our lives
Obedience Is Greater Than Saying, “Lord, Lord”
Jesus gave another serious warning:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
It is possible to speak about God without obeying God.
It is possible to call Jesus “Lord” while continuing to live according to our own desires.
True faith produces obedience.
God is not merely looking for people who know religious words. He desires people whose lives are surrendered to His will.
The question is not simply:
“Do I believe in God?”
The deeper question is:
“Am I willing to obey God?”
Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
Scripture also warns us about the relationships and influences we allow into our lives.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
— 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
This does not mean that Christians should isolate themselves from everyone who does not believe.
Rather, it reminds us that we must be careful about the influences that shape our hearts, decisions, values, and direction.
King Jehoshaphat experienced the consequences of forming an ungodly alliance.
We must therefore ask ourselves:
Who is influencing me?
What is shaping my thinking?
What relationships are drawing me closer to Christ—and what relationships are pulling me away from Him?
Spiritual compromise can begin with something that appears harmless.
God Does Not Desire Anyone to Perish
One of the most beautiful truths in Scripture is that God does not desire people to perish.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
God’s heart is toward repentance and salvation.
This message is not only for unbelievers.
Believers also need repentance.
Every Christian needs repentance.
Every one of us must continually examine our hearts and return to God when we have gone astray.
God’s patience is an expression of His mercy.
His desire is that people turn away from sin and come back to Him.
The Danger of What We Allow Into Our Hearts
There is a powerful spiritual principle here:
What we repeatedly allow into our minds can eventually influence our hearts, decisions, and lives.
Technology itself is not automatically evil.
A mobile phone can be used for communication, work, education, ministry, Bible study, encouragement, and many good purposes.
But the same device can also become a source of temptation, distraction, comparison, lust, unhealthy relationships, wasted time, and spiritual weakness.
The issue is not simply the device.
The issue is what we allow the device to bring into our hearts.
Jesus said:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
— Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
Our attention is valuable.
Our thoughts are valuable.
Our time is valuable.
Therefore, we must be careful about what receives our attention every day.
Guard the Next Generation
Parents have a responsibility to guide their children wisely in a world filled with technology.
Children can easily become attached to screens, games, social media, and digital entertainment.
Technology can be useful, but children need boundaries, guidance, supervision, and—most importantly—a strong spiritual foundation.
Instead of simply giving children a device to keep them occupied, parents should teach them how to use technology responsibly while keeping Christ at the centre of their lives.
We should ask:
What are our children watching?
What are they listening to?
Who are they following?
What values are being planted in their minds?
Put On the Helmet of Salvation
Scripture gives us a powerful image of spiritual protection:
“And take the helmet of salvation…”
— Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)
The helmet protects the head.
Spiritually, we must guard our minds.
The enemy would love to fill our minds with fear, temptation, confusion, pride, lust, bitterness, unbelief, and worldly thinking.
But God has given us spiritual armour.
We must protect our minds through:
- God’s Word
- Prayer
- Worship
- Fellowship with believers
- Wise choices
- Repentance
- Obedience
- The guidance of the Holy Spirit
Do not allow every voice to have access to your mind.
Do not allow every image to enter your heart.
Do not allow every trend to determine your values.
Guard your mind because your thoughts influence your direction.
Do Not Wear the Wrong “Hat”
The sermon’s picture of the black hat gives us a memorable spiritual illustration.
The world offers many identities, values, desires, and influences. But as followers of Christ, we are called to put on what God has given us.
We should not allow the world to define who we are.
We belong to Christ.
Our identity is not found in social media.
It is not found in possessions.
It is not found in popularity.
It is not found in relationships.
It is not found in success.
Our identity is found in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, let us remove whatever continually pulls our minds away from God and return our attention to Christ.
Choose the Eternal Blessing
The greatest blessing is not material prosperity.
The greatest blessing is knowing God.
The greatest blessing is salvation through Jesus Christ.
The greatest blessing is having a heart that belongs to Him.
The greatest blessing is walking in obedience to His Word.
The greatest blessing is being prepared for eternity.
Everything on earth is temporary.
But God’s Word endures forever.
So, do not allow temporary blessings to make you forget the eternal God who gave them.
Do not become so focused on what is in your hands that you forget the One who holds your life.
Do not allow technology, relationships, possessions, entertainment, or worldly desires to take the place of Christ.
Look to Jesus.
Follow Jesus.
Obey Jesus.
Keep your heart surrendered to Jesus.
And when God blesses you, do not worship the blessing.
Worship the One who blessed you.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for every blessing You have given us. Forgive us for the times when we have focused more on Your blessings than on You.
Help us to keep our eyes upon Jesus. Give us wisdom to recognize what is drawing us away from You. Help us guard our minds, our hearts, our families, and our children.
Teach us to use the things of this world wisely without allowing them to become idols in our lives.
Give us strength to reject spiritual compromise, courage to repent, and faith to obey Your Word.
May our lives bring glory to You.
Help us seek not merely the things that perish, but the things that endure unto everlasting life.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
