Weary in Well Doing #30DaysofPraise
As we get to the end of November and our #30DaysofPraise, having talked to many people over the past month, I realize there are many who may be weary in well doing. Times are not easy. Inflation. Pestilence. Pace of life. You, of course, can add your own to this list.
If we are not careful, we can get weary in well doing. Yes, we desire to be positive. We strive for joy. As we talk with people, we seek to encourage them rather than discourage them. In fact, you might say that our motives are pure.
Yet, you may be under the weight of all that is going on around you right now. You may be weary in well doing.
Remember what Paul wrote to the Galatians:
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
Weary while doing good
Most of us do not intentionally sin. Okay, maybe sometimes a few of us do. However, for the most part, no, we do not.
Instead, in the power of the Spirit and through God’s Word, we seek to do what is right. We want to live a life that honors the Lord, worships Him, and loves Him supremely. Further, we desire to love our neighbors as ourselves, serving them sacrificially, and seeking to put their interests above our own. We do these things because of our commitment to God and desire to follow Him as faithful and passionate followers of Jesus Christ.
These things take effort. Much effort. Occasionally, we walk in the flesh instead of in the Spirit. Like an engine slipping out of gear occasionally, we slip out of gear spiritually. Whereas we have high commitments to do what is right, we do not. Although we feel guilt and sorrow over our sin, we continue in it.
And so the battle rages. Moment by moment, we battle in our inner man – the flesh versus the Spirit.
For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that almost all of us typically walk in the Spirit. By God’s grace, through His Word, and with the power of the Spirit, we do what is right. Yet, trials still come. Temptation still lingers.
We can get tired spiritually, especially when we are tired physically. We tend to allow disappointments to turn into discontentment, despair, and sometimes move us toward a general downness to our souls.
Weary while doing good.
For in due season, we will reap if we do not lose heart!
However, I encourage you, as Paul the Apostle did all of us, to keep going. Stay in the fight. God promises that you will reap if you do not lose heart! God will bless your efforts. What efforts? Your efforts to do good, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Is it always easy? No way.
We are sinned against.
We undergo suffering.
Wives continually are discouraged by a husband.
Husbands frustrated by a wife.
Parents struggle with children.
Children also struggle with parents.
Employers make it difficult at times on employees.
Employees disrespect employers and those who represent authority.
Politicians fail.
Pastors struggle.
Friends misunderstand or simply sin.
Fellow church family members respond thoughtlessly.
As you can see, this list can go much, much longer. I have only begun.
In this context, it is easy to give into the flesh and choose not to persevere. As weary in doing good, we stop momentarily from doing good. A wife gives up. A husband quits. Parents fail. Children exasperate. Again, on and on we could go.
But friends, we can and must persevere.
Persevere. Do Good to those in the Household of Faith
Friends, please hold the line, maintain the course, and strive for faithfulness. God provides you the strength and courage to do what He calls you to do. Therefore, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Discouraged wife, God will bless your efforts and honor your desires.
Frustrated husband, God will bless your efforts and honor your desires.
Disheartened parent, God will bless your efforts and honor your desires.
Exasperated children, God will bless your efforts and honor your desires.
Burdened brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of your role or position, God will bless your efforts and honor your desires.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
May I lead by example. Amen.
Image Credit Molnár Bálint
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