3 What does a person gain for all his efforts
that he labors at under the sun?
4 A generation goes and a generation comes,
but the earth remains forever. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 CSB)

This scripture may seem depressing at first glance. If there is nothing to gain for our efforts then what’s the point? Generations come and generations go and nothing but the earth remains.

Yet, this is meant as a contrast. To show us that our efforts alone bring nothing lasting. The only legacy that remains is what we have done in God’s name.

What seeds we have planted for the Kingdom are the legacy we leave in our words and deeds.

Thus our efforts are not in vain, unless we do them only for ourselves. If we are striving in God’s name, fighting the good fight, then we will leave a lasting legacy.