Do you grow Weary of doing Good?

Galatians 6:9-10

Verse nine begins in this manner; “And let us not grow weary of doing good,” what are the reasons a Christian would grow weary?  If we feel that our acts of goodness are not rewarded, if we feel we are the only one who is doing any acts of goodness, or if our act of kindness is misunderstood and people are saying hurtful things about our motives.  All of the above are centered in feelings, and not the root reason for acts of goodness.  People will take advantage of our acts of goodness, people will misunderstand your reason and say all kinds of hurtful things about your motives, and often you will be alone in your acts of goodness.

First, let me say that in fleshly acts of goodness one will always grow weary, they are centered in being acknowledged and appreciated for the act of goodness.  Often, I’ve fallen victim as a husband, washing the dishes without being asked, or making the bed, cleaning the house and my dear sweet wife seems not to notice, it is amazing she did not have the “big one”.  Yes, it is in our nature to want a pat on the head for any act of goodness, especially those acts that cost us something and are not in the norm.

Could our problem be that we do not understand whose we are, and have no thought that each day, a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us.  Could it be that we are not looking to Jesus, that we do not understand our calling, that we do not understand the shame He endured on the cross, that Jesus is the perfecter of our faith.  Could our problem with growing weary in doing good, come from our focal point?  When my mind is focused on Jesus, I do not grow weary or fainthearted, I am in the race for the prize, my eyes are on the finish line.

The apostle Peter had this advice for us; “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason fro the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will than for doing evil.”  (1Peter 3:13-17)  Galatians 6:10, “So then as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice