Keeping the Strength

Galatians 6:9-10 -- 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.

Sometimes I wonder if Paul was like me (and many other preachers, I assume) who work out some of their own issues as they wrestle with sermons. Paul's words about not becoming weary in doing good might very well give us an insight into some of where he has been at some time or place in his own work. Day in and day out can become a drudgery. There were, I am sure, plenty of days when things weren't falling into place as quickly or as fully as he anticipated.

At those points I am sure the only way he kept up his spirits was through the Spirit reminding him of what this is all about- the harvest that is to be reaped. Sometimes, when the gains are smaller, the movement slower, the time not seeming to fall into rhythm, you have to- you MUST remember the long-term big picture. If what we see is all there is to see, well, sure, we are going to slow down or get discouraged. But if there is something more, something beyond our sight at the moment, a vision of something greater and more glorious, well, maybe I can get out of bed and start putting that one foot in front of the other.

The BIG picture. The greater good, is how a friend of mine once described it. "What serves the greater good?" he asked me when I was trying to make a decision. Look beyond yourself and the place where you are starting. Look within to the possibilities that exist. Look above to the Creator and try to see how all this fits together. Look around and see where the needs are. Put them all together and you just might find the greater good.

And while you are waiting for that to happen- or even to become clear- do good to all. Do good to all. It seems odd that Paul had to remind them to do that for their own "family of believers." Perhaps the conflicts and disagreements that beset many churches were at work. Perhaps some were ignoring the poorer members in their "household." Today those might be the first to get the support. In the BIG picture, though, Paul is reminding us that we just do good to all.

That is how you get through the low times, the tiring times, the weariness of doing what you are doing. Do good to all. Get out of yourself and reach out with love and care to others. Sometimes it may take some effort, but it will work.