Things That Make Us Weary
Living the Christian life can be tough. Certainly there are numerous
spiritual roadblocks and obstacles that must be overcome if we are to receive the crown of
life (Rev. 2:10). When the going gets tough, the determined Christian
will place his eyes upon the prize as he strives with all of his might to reach the
life’s finished line an eternal winner (cf. Heb. 12:1,2; Phil. 3:13,14; 1
Cor. 9:24-27). The Apostle Paul reminds us of this idea when he says, "And
let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart" (Gal. 6:9). Paul, as he said to the Galatian Christians of
the first century, says to us, "Never surrender!" He begs us not to quit because
the spiritual quitter will not receive the harvest of heaven.
This we understand, if heaven is to be our home, then we must die in
Jesus (Rev. 14:13). And of course, the only way to die in Jesus is to
faithfully live for him all the days of our lives (Lk. 9:23; 1 Cor. 15:58).
We also understand that along life’s journey there are things that can make us weary.
There are things that can try our patience and if we are not careful these things can
cause us to stumble and even give up the Christian life. In order not to grow weary while
doing good we need to identify a few of the things that can make us such, in order to be
prepared.
What can make us weary in our pursuit of doing good? Consider from
Galatians six that…
- Bearing others burdens can make us weary
. Galatians 6:1 states,
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such
a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted…"
Christians have the responsibility of rescuing the fallen and restoring the erring (Jas.
5:19,20). However, this can be taxing on the emotions and draining on our energy.
It is difficult to sit face to face with a person who has fallen and talk seriously with
him about his spiritual condition. Its uncomfortable, it’s difficult, yet it must be
done. And, since so many brethren stumble we might just want to say, "Enough!"
and quit. Yet, we cannot. The fight for the souls of men goes on and we must continue to
answer the bell. This is the only way we can fulfill the law of Christ (6:2).
- Bearing our own load can make us weary
. Paul goes on to say in Galatians
6:5, "For each one shall bear his own load..." As already stated,
living the Christian life can be tough. As Christians we must constantly be on guard
against Satan, self and sin (1 Peter 5:8). We have to consider our
influence at all times (Mt. 5:16). We have to consider the kingdom of God
in every decision we make (Lk. 12:31). Constant vigilance can be
tiresome, yet we must stay focused and on guard. All of us have a responsibility to
examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5), to keep ourselves in the love of God
(Jude 21) and to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).
This can make us weary. However, it must be done, and with the right attitude, we will
find that although tiring, it is a most fulfilling joy (1 John 5:3; John 10:10).
- Bearing up under persecution can make us weary
. Paul, in the same chapter of
Galatians says, "For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus… (Gal.
6:17)." During Paul’s service to Christ he suffered many hardships (2
Cor. 11:23-28). If anyone could rationalize giving up it would have been him.
Yet, he pointed out that even in the face of persecution, he was more than a conqueror
through Christ (Rom. 8:37). All Christians will suffer persecution of
some sort (2 Tim. 3:12). This can cause us to grow weary. True, we may
tire of the ridicule, the alienation, and perhaps even the physical abuse. Yet, we must
remember the words of Paul when he said, "For I consider that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in
us" (Rom. 8:18)!
"And let us not grow weary while
doing good…
(Galatians 6:9)
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These "three bears" of Galatians chapter six have the
potential of causing us to grow weary. Yet, we must not allow them to, let us press on,
knowing that if we will work till Jesus comes, then our tired, war-scarred souls can enjoy
the rest that remains (Heb. 4:9).
~ Bill Burk
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