Chuck Northrop

Most of us at times feel as though we have been run-over. Sometimes this feeling results from others using and abusing us. Other times it results from just being worn out. Whatever the cause, the fact is such feelings are real. The apostle Paul exhorted the church at Galatia saying, “And let us not be weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9). At times, it is hard not to want to throw up your hands and quit, but notice closer what the apostle was saying which will be a source of great encouragement.

If We Keep in Mind the Right Example, We Will Not Grow Weary. Even in the face of false teachers, the Christians of Galatia were told not to grow weary. Throughout the book of Galatians, Paul was dealing with those who “troubled” the church and “would pervert the gospel of Christ” (1:7). As a result, there were some who were falling away and going back into the world. Thus, there was a tremendous need for those who were “spiritual” to “restore such a one” (6:1). In the face of difficult situations, it is easy to grow weary especially when the results are not easily seen. It often becomes a situation like that of Jeremiah the weeping prophet, who saw no transformation in the lives of the people to whom he preached. The fact is, some people “who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift” (Hebrews 6:4) are not interested in returning to the fold of God. That fact is discouraging to even the most spiritual disciple. Let us, therefore, remember the example given unto us by the Lord “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

If We Set Our Sights Right, We Will Not Grow Weary. Oftentimes we get our sights mixed up just a little. We begin looking for results in the wrong places. When we are working with an unfaithful member of the Lord’s body, our sights are set on that person and his or her return to faithfulness. When they do not return, we become discouraged. Why? Was it not their decision? A decision that only they can make? Our sights should be set a little different. We should set our sights on “Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) for as Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). If we have our sights set right, we are looking unto God and not unto the actions of people.

If We Remember That God Will Reward Our Faithfulness, We Will Not Grow Weary. Galatians 6:9 says in its entirety, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” No matter what others may do, “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes it is hard to see the rewards of faithfulness, but they are there! If we do not see them in this life, certainly we will see them in the life to come.

Paul’s conclusion is our conclusion. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).