“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6: 9-10 NIV)
What Paul is talking about here is what we typically refer to as “burnout.” When we have poured ourselves into something for an extended period of time, whether it is school, work, or “church,” we can reach a point where we are like the remains of a campfire—we are cold embers. There is no fire; we are burned out.
Many people respond to burnout by giving up. They quit their jobs or drop out of school. Or as is often the case with Christians, they just pull back from doing the things they had previously felt God leading them to do. The Lord didn’t change His mind; they just grew weary and quit. Pouring my life into others—I’m tired of it; I need to focus on myself for a while. Giving my money to the church or to those in need—I’m tired of constantly depriving myself; I want to buy some things for ME! People always have needs—I’m weary of them; I need some time off to focus on my own needs.
How tempting it is in life when we are weary of giving of ourselves to pull back into a self-centered focus, to live solely for ourselves and what we want. Yet Paul warns there is a price to pay if we do give up—we will reap nothing in eternity. Salvation is not dependent on our work on earth, but the rewards are. We can choose to give up and live for ourselves, but it will be a costly choice. We will miss out on a lot.
Today, if you are getting burned out with doing good for others, don’t give up. Hang in there because the rewards will be great if you do. Allow the Lord to be your strength and the hope of eternal rewards your motivation when you are weary. It will be worth it.
© Jim Musser 2013
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