I grew up on a farm and spent my childhood assuming there would be nothing else I would ever do. When I began a career as a farmer it became evident, pretty quickly, that my lifelong plans probably weren’t going to work out. I came into some significant financial difficulties almost right off the bat (imagine that). Coming to the realization that my life as a farmer was likely coming to an end was very difficult.

But God was graciously teaching me some important lessons during that time. One day while I was reading my Bible, I was reading through some different Psalms, and I came across one that day that really changed the direction of my life. It was Psalm 127 – specifically verses 1 and 2 – and especially verse 1.

It says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.”

That verse constantly ran through my mind for the next several days.

As I pondered it, I determined some things. Whatever happened and whatever I did with my life – if it wasn’t what God wanted, I didn’t want it either. And whatever happened – I didn’t want to come to the end of my life and realize I had wasted it. Those words, “they labor in vain” really stood out to me. Whatever life I built, I wanted the LORD to build it with me so I wouldn’t be wasting my time and my life in whatever I did. If it continued to be farming – it would have to be done with God and for God. If it was anything else – I could learn to be okay with it – as long as God was with me and I could do it for His glory.

I would encourage you to give some thought to the truth of Psalm 127:1. Whatever we may seem to accomplish in life, no matter how big and impressive it may look – if it’s done apart from God, apart from faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and not done for His glory – it won’t last. It doesn’t have any eternal value. It will rust, decay, fall apart and eventually be forgotten.

A missionary named, C.T. Studd wrote a poem that reflects the truth of Psalm 127 well. This is the first verse of the poem: “Two little lines I heard one day, traveling along life’s busy way; bringing conviction to my heart, and from my mind would not depart; only one life ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

The rest of the poem is good too, but too long to include here – you should look it up. It’s true, only what’s done for Christ will last.

It wasn’t God’s plan for me to continue farming. I still miss it sometimes, especially around harvest time. But I’m thankful for the direction God has led me and to be able to serve Him where He has me now. As I write this, I can hear a couple of my kids playing “Farming Simulator” in the background, and my four-year-old cheering loudly for the “John Jeere” he just bought and gets to drive – that’s my boy! During our next family Bible time, hopefully we’ll all be even more enthusiastic about getting to know and serve our Creator and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – compared to getting to drive a simulated John Deere. Only what’s done for Christ will last.