Be Not Weary in Well Doing

The Christian life can be described as a life of obedience. Paul calls it “being filled with the fruits of righteousness” (Philip. 1:11). You practice righteousness in battling your own temptations, in maintaining a godly testimony, in serving your family, in testifying of Christ, in helping others, in worshiping at church, and in encouraging the saints. At every turn, you strive to do good. But it is not always easy. Opposition, failure, rejection, apathy, disappointment, tiredness—you might even get tempted to quit!

But don’t give up. Keep going. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” “Well doing” is doing well: doing right, helpful, edifying things. You don’t always get rewarded for the good things you do in this life. But think of it as planting seeds: in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

When is “harvest season”? Ultimately, it is in eternity, as v. 10 indicates. God will reward you in the Day of Christ. But to continue doing well in this life, you must life by faith, not by sight. At the same time, the Lord is gracious to give us victories on this side. Keep doing right, whatever the task. The Bible says, “In all labour there is profit” (Pro. 14:23). Don’t give up, don’t get discouraged, and don’t quit. “Be not weary in well doing.”