Articles
Let Us Not Grow Weary
Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses a number of subjects, but our quarterly exhortations in 2023 have focused on the following thoughts:
Q1: Called Unto Liberty (Gal 5:13)
Q2: Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)
Q3: Be Not Deceived (Gal 6:7)
Q4: Let Us Not Grow Weary in well doing (Gal 6:9)
Disciples Called Unto Liberty from the old law and sin also Walk in the Spirit as those who have eternity set in their hearts (Eccl 3:11). They are Not Deceived, knowing that there will be an accounting (Rom 14:12) and therefore sow generously, using the talents God has provided.
Though life is brief (1 Peter 1:24) it can at times seem long. Spectators are impressed how quickly runners can cover their distance. But to those running, the minutes seem like hours. Christians diligently engaged in the spiritual race (1 Cor 9:26) can also grow weary. Like the determined runner, fatigue is a consequence of exertion. In fighting the good fight (2 Tim 4:7) weariness can result. Spectators don’t have this problem.
But Paul, an individual that understood weariness as well as anyone, still exhorts us:
Let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
The weariness Paul speaks of is that which causes disillusionment and results in quitting the race. The kind of weariness that overwhelms and defeats us.
Are you weary from well doing? It can happen if working diligently. Rest up, read and reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, think of those who have finished their course, and then continue on! Don’t let weariness turn into discouragement. Are you not weary from time to time? It could be due to having exceptional spiritual endurance, or for being too much a spectator. The Christian race is one that we all must run. The running is the daily exercise of well-doing.
In the weariness and persecution of his long day Paul looked back from contemplated eternity:
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
We shall reap if we faint not.
