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The Focus of Your Labours

“Our imagination is dazzled by the splendid picture.” Words almost seemed to fail Edward Gibbon in his History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, as he described the affluence of the Abdalrahman, who ruled Spain in the 8th Century AD.

The third and “greatest” of the Abdalrahmans admitted that he never lacked for anything, for “riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call.” He had thousands of wives and concubines. He gathered the world’s finest sculptors and artists to design buildings with overwhelming grandeur. The hall of audience “was incrusted with gold and pearls.” One of the basins and fountains in his gardens “was replenished not with water but with the purest quicksilver.”

But, looking back on his life, this man realized something was missing: “I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to fourteen.” Knowing that others might envy his accomplishments, he provided this warning: “O man! Place not thy confidence in this present world!”

How easily we can be consumed with a desire for wealth, power, and pleasure. But, as the Bible tells us, all of this is “vanity and striving after the wind.”

Today, pause to think about the focus of your labors. Jesus said, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). Be sure you’re seeking “first the kingdom of God,” confident that He will take care of you (Matthew 6:33).

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Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

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The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

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Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

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