FFF 14:4 (Apr 1968)
Weary
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not — Galatians 6:9.
And in doing good let us not grow tired, for in due time we shall reap if we do not relax” (Confraternity edition of N.T.) “In doing that which is honorable, let us not be fainthearted, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Another version has it: “So let us not give up in doing what is right, for in due season we shall reap by not giving out.”
It is a good thing to stop and ask oneself just what makes me weary in well-doing? Is it because I have too much sympathy for myself? Is it because I have been listening to others who tell me to give up well-doing? Perhaps it is an attitude I have taken toward well-doing; an attitude of resignation. Going on in a resigned, lifeless, hopeless, meaningless way gives no satisfaction to the doer and one is soon weary in well-doing. It is possible to be weary in well-doing and not weary of well-doing. Sometimes such people are simply physically tired.
Some people are tired of well-doing as such because of the way they began it. Remember that spiritual warfare takes spiritual energies. The very worst thing that can happen to a believer is to attempt to carry on God’s work in his own energy. You will soon become weary of well-doing if you are doing all in your own strength.
Do not attempt to artificially stimulate yourself into doing good. Some folk have done this to their detriment. It is a dangerous and uncertain thing to run on emotions. Yet, some Christians live in a constant state of spiritual upheaval and excitement. This is not the atmosphere that produces quietness, rest, peace, certainty. Unless you have those things you are bound to become weary in well-doing.
Some people are not weary in well-doing for they have never started doing well. It is better to start and be weary than not to start. A special promise is given to all those who do not become weary. They shall reap. They shall harvest. It is certain; God has promised. “Then be not weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”