Let Us Not Grow Weary in Well Doing

Sundays are different for us than they are for the average family. Since Michael is on the worship team with two of our kids they’ll often schedule an early morning practice so they can run through the songs before the service begins.

Nathaniel and I aren’t in the band, so we get to sleep in an extra couple of hours, and then we’ll take our own car and meet them at church.

I kind of like taking a separate car sometimes, because it gives us some one-on-one time. Nathaniel’s our youngest, and sometimes he needs to have his mom to himself.

I have to say that he impressed me this week. Instead of wearing his casual footwear, Nathaniel walked out of the house in dress shoes with jeans and a button up cotton shirt. He’s growing up and it’s starting to show in more ways than one.

I’m pleased to say that he’s growing into a man, and a gentle one at that. In fact what he did next really surprised me.

The moment I parked, he hustled over to my side of the car, opened the door, and waited for me to step out.

Did I mention he’s 12?

Let me tell you–he didn’t pick this behavior up from my husband. Nor did he pick it up from his older brothers. Michael is a wonderful man, but he’s not all that chivalrous.

And yet, there’s something about Nathaniel. Without fail he goes out of his way to serve. Whether he’s opening doors, carrying groceries, pouring us water, or pulling our weeds, he’s doing his best to do good.

I’m not talking about simply being good, since I consider all of my children “good” kids.  They’re moral, kindhearted, honest, and polite.

What I’m referring to here is the kind of “well doing” that Paul talks about in his letter to the churches of Galatia.

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. – Galatians 6:9-10

This kind of goodness is rare. It gives without getting. It doesn’t keep score.

Mathew Henry wrote, “Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now.”

We’re impatient farmers though, aren’t we? After we plant a few seeds, we wait and we watch, and hope, and we pray that we’ll see a return on our labor. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to hope and to pray that our seeds will take root–in fact that’s an essential part of the planting we do.

It’s the discouragement we have watch out for. Planting without return can be weary, it can slow down our work, and in many cases bring it to a complete halt. But hope and revival come to those who joyfully serve for the sake of the Lord.

Remember, “This Little Light of Mine?” If your childhood was anything like mine, you probably sang it in the 80s–a lot. And you probably put your finger up like a candle when you sang it. Didn’t we all?

Did you ever stop to consider what that light was all about? I’m sure you did, but let’s be reminded again. It’s more than just professing our faith to the world, it’s also living out our faith in a way that reflects the goodness of God. This kind of goodness leaves an undeniable impression upon a heart. It says more than our words ever could because love is a powerful thing.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht