Avoiding Weariness

As we go about our daily lives, it is not unusual for us to feel tired every once in a while.  After all, there is certainly much that can be accomplished in each day.  The body will naturally become fatigued, and as such, will need rest.  This truth was even found in the life of Jesus.  On one occasion, Jesus and his disciples were on a ship when a storm arose.  While the disciples were afraid, Jesus was “…asleep on a pillow” (Mark 4:38).  Even the Lord, in His human body, appreciated rest.  With all of that being stated, the Christian has a great challenge that he must meet.  While he will feel tired from physical labor, he must not allow himself to be tired of doing the Lord’s will.  Paul instructed the brethren in Galatia, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:7-10).

            It can never be true that there is nothing that I can do for the Lord today.  We are literally surrounded by a world full of sinners who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Great Commission is still to be followed.  Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16).  How many opportunities do we have daily that we never use?  Do we not believe that the lost will suffer if they remain that way?  Have we convinced ourselves that the Lord will not hold me accountable if I refuse to teach them?  We need to be reminded of what Paul wrote to the church at Rome.  “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?  and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  and how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent?  as it written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom. 10:14-15)!  We may be the only person that can teach someone the truth, and God expects us to be busy doing the work.

            Then there are the numerous opportunities that appear to edify our brethren.  Even the most devout brother or sister could use some encouragement.  Paul instructed the church in Ephesus, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:14-16).  A phone call, a card, a visit, or a prayer are just some of the ways that we can edify the church.  There is always a need for these good deeds.

            Lastly, let us not forget to be benevolent to our fellow man.  I imagine that we all can think of someone at this very moment who could use a little extra help this week or this month.  These are not necessarily people that will ask for help, but the need is there nonetheless.  Have we grown tired of helping in these areas?  Maybe we have been deceived in the past.  Perhaps someone took advantage of our kindness and generosity.  Does that change the fact that there are still many who are legitimately in need?  The church has a responsibility to help meet those needs.  Consider what Paul wrote, “Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Eph. 4:28).  Also, we should remember the great example of the Samaritan who demonstrated great care and love by helping an injured and abused man (Luke 10:30-37).  As Jesus said, “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always” (Matt. 26:11).

            I hope that we are not spiritually weary when it comes to doing God’s will.  Let us meet each day with joy and appreciation.  Let us take the Gospel to the lost.  Let us edify our brethren.  Let us be benevolent to our fellow man.  There is much work to do, and we should do that work with the energy that we have!
~ Corey Barnette