GALATIANS 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Let’s face it. The Christian life as defined by the Lord in His Word is a call to exhausting labor, tiresome service, sacrificial giving, fierce self-denial, and will flat out drain the obedient Christian to the demands of obedience Christ places upon us. Now, please, I am not saying the Christian life lacks joy, peace, contentment, purpose, and is dull drudgery of service. Not at all. But, if we are truly going to “get it” as Jesus defines it, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”, then we must pay the cost; the cost as stated by the Apostle Paul in today’s scripture of not growing weary in doing good (Luke 9:23).
As we look to the challenges the Apostle Paul puts before us with the words, “let us not grow weary in doing good”, we must understand first what he does not mean. He isn’t saying, “Don’t get physically tired of serving others. No physical exhaustion is to happen in obeying God’s command to do good to others.” No, Jesus made it clear our flesh is weak which means physically, we will get tired (Matthew26:41). Our bodies will age, stamina weakens, we easily experience exhaustion. The words “not grow weary” also translates “don’t lose heart” and this is the real challenge in living the Christian life and giving ourselves over to serve others; we may easily lose heart. Here are two ways that may happen . .
First, we lose heart when our labor bears little, if any visible fruit. We share the Gospel with many and see no conversions. We model Christ in our homes and it appears our children or spouses remain unaffected. In a life of faithfulness, we easily lose heart should we not see “the fruit of our labors.” But here is a good word to keep us from losing heart and giving up. When we see Jesus, if we have persevered, it will not be “Well done, good and fruitful servant”, but “Well done, good and faithful servant”(Matthew 25:21). God produces fruit, not us. We are seed-planters .God gives the increase. Remember this when tempted to lose heart in doing good when we don’t see results. That is up to the Lord. Be faithful, and don’t give up.
Another way we may lose heart in doing good is when our service is taken for granted and not recognized. I know. I know. We are not supposed to seek the praise of people. We don’t serve for affirmation but God has called us to be affirmers of one another. And a nice word of thanks and encouragement for our service goes a long way, but that is not where our focus is to be. Week in and week out, as we do good in our families – physical and church – and serve those in our communities, do not expect or look for appreciation. Instead think on this truth – For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do (Hebrews6:10). Let the approval, affirmation, and recognition by God be the sources of strength to keep us from losing heart in serving others and living the Christian life. At the end of the day, that is all that really matters, isn’t it?
So, let us press on in doing good, not losing heart. Yes, it is hard. Yes, it is exhausting, but life is short. Make it count. It will be worth it when we see Jesus!
PRAYER: “Father, help me not to grow weary in doing good and especially when it seems unnoticed and unappreciated.”
QUOTE: “This life is one of toil, labor, tiring service, and when we see Jesus we will be glad those traits marked our lives.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim