The Apostle Paul wrote, “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.” (Gal. 6:9-10). Have you ever thought about what it means to “grow weary while doing good”? Why does it matter if we give up when we are weary? Is Paul saying that we must never grow weary—that we should never tire while doing good? Of course not. But there will be times as we labor in the kingdom that we’ll be pounded by the storms of life.
- There will be times when we may feel like giving up and giving in.
- Times when we question ourselves asking, will it really matter if I give up, or keep trying?”
- Possibly, the storm comes in the form of some specific temptation: Lying, cursing, profanity, stealing, gambling, dancing, immodest dress, pornography, fornication, adultery, drugs, or drinking.
- The storm may be a decision about spiritual priorities: school activities, demands on the job, sports and hobbies, or entertainment programs.
- Or the storm could be the weight of unresolved sins of the past committed by poor judgments, or even of matters beyond our control such as accidents, diseases, growing older, or the death of loved ones.
- Just the relentless pressure of the daily duties of life: The never-ending cycle of household chores, or trying to juggle demands of the family. We all face the storms, none are exempt.
- Gospel preachers, elders, and all the saints grow weary at times under the strain of so many battles which must be fought in order to uphold the truth and pull down the some times subtle attacks of Satan.
- We may be tempted to retire from the battle, or at least to relent in our efforts, in hope of relief from the strain.
- In those times we must be especially cognitive of this principle laid out by Paul.