And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. —Galatians 6:9-10
When I grow tired of something, it helps to remind myself of the importance and reward of the task. It’s like an internal pep talk to remind myself, “this is so worth the effort.” Many years ago, when my husband and I biked through Europe for 4 months with our bikes laden with heavy packs, it was looking forward to seeing the next long-awaited town that motivated us through challenges like flat tires, long mountain ascents, heavy rains, sweltering heat, headwinds, or biting cold. These days as a parent, it is the desire to see my children grow to be joyful God-honoring adults that prompts me to take the time to train and encourage when it would be easier to do so many other things.
Likewise in Galatians, Paul spurs believers to persevere in good works by reminding them of the reason for their work: “for in due season you will reap.” Believers, our work is not in vain because we will reap! Paul explains this well in 1 Corinthians 15, where he builds a case for our assurance of future reaping.
“For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:53-56).
Because Christ suffered and died for our sins and because his punishment satisfied the law, therefore death has no sting, therefore we have victory through Jesus Christ , and therefore we can look forward to immortal, imperishable bodies raised in power and glory. Paul’s conclusion is glorious: “Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
It is on this bedrock foundation of truth that Paul stands when he says, “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap”. Friends, if you are weary or losing momentum in your walk with the Lord, remember that God’s promise of reaping means your labor is not in vain.”
As if that weren’t enough, Paul elaborates to the Ephesian believers on another more fundamental reason that we should persevere and not grow weary of doing good. It is because we were created for such works.“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
So doing God-honoring, Spirit-empowered work is at the core of who we are as believers. That truth is compelling. A believer balking at doing the work of the Lord is akin to a fish not wanting to swim. Abounding in good works should be our very nature; we were made for this. So when we grow weary in this race, let us take these truths and set our eyes ahead on the joy that awaits.
“… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:1b-3).
For Reflection
What opportunities for Christ-exalting work has God put in your path this week?
In your weary, fainthearted moments, ask yourself whether your eyes are looking to Jesus or to your circumstance?
How would you gauge your enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord and His work this week?
Ask yourself whether your good works are an overflow of your relationship with God or are they your efforts to earn the praise of others?