“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)
“Hello darkness, my old friend … I’ve come to talk with you again …” Most of us who have lived for any length of time recognize these words from the song recorded in the 60’s by Simon and Garfunkel entitled ‘The Sounds of Silence.’
Although it was written to reach those living in that era to be able to express and communicate their thoughts and feelings about a war that so many opposed … it defines in many ways the ‘silence’ of so many living in the 21st Century!
Without question there are times in each of our lives when the place of ‘silence’ is longed for and relished when it presents itself. There are still other times when the ‘silence’ is simply overwhelming and unsettling!
There is just a whole lot of evil and darkness in our world right now! Our adversary is enjoying great success at the present in generating unrest, division, animosity, and just a very stormy climate! And none of us are enjoying its presence, are we?
So, what are we to do in the face of so much uncertainty? How are God’s people supposed to act … to deal with all these unsettling factors coming to bear on mankind in general … and the increasing animosity toward the absolute truth of God and those who choose to follow its instructions?
An understanding of the context of Galatians 6 will help.
- By inspiration the Apostle Paul has appealed to the brethren comprising the “churches of Galatia” to resist the temptation to trust in the flesh or in their own powers!
- By inspiration the Apostle Paul has reminded these brethren of their responsibilities to their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ … helping them in turning away from personal sin, “bearing one another’s burdens” … while “bearing their own burden” as well!
- And by inspiration the Apostle Paul has encouraged these same brethren to keep on “doing good” with the understanding that nothing goes unnoticed by our Heavenly Father!
- Finally, it is by inspiration that the Apostle reminds them to “… not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Even though our Lord encourages us to “not grow weary … not get tired of … not allow ourselves to get fatigued in doing good” … we can and we do, don’t we?
We have incumbent on us as the Apostle Peter states, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV).
Try as we may, work in the field of the world “sowing the seed of the kingdom” … the world around us generally doesn’t return in kind, does it? Instead we face unkind words of ridicule … words and deeds that can be hurtful … shunning from classmates or co-workers … even family members … and yes, sometimes from our own spiritual family … quick to remind us of our own imperfections!
No … this is NOT some kind of ‘pity party’ article! I am blessed to receive words of encouragement often from across the country. Rather, it is a call to remind us of the greatness of the work God has entrusted us with as His people! We need to remember that we are serving the One who sits above and knows everything about everyone … all of the time!
But going back to the “silent sufferers” …. The greater the challenge we must face in doing His will … the more necessary is the value of perseverance, faith and courage!
The Wall Street Journal reports the following with regard to an upswing in the Covid 19 Virus, “a tired public lets its guard down, triggering more infections and restrictions that in turn compound the fatigue.”
Just as it happens in the physical and material arena of life … it also can happen in the spiritual arena! You see, my friends and brethren … the take away for each of us to realize is this: No matter how biting, caustic, mordant, snarky and just out right mean the world may be toward our service of “doing good to all men” … God says for us to not forget, keeping our eyes on the Lord who will reward His faithful ones!
It has always been hard for those of faith to live in this world but not live of or like this world! It has always been hard for God’s people to ‘suffer in silence’ when they have been striving to give God their best! It is no different in the 21st Century!
- When we are tempted to give in or to give up … remember the inspired message of Galatians 6:9!
- When we are tempted to grow faint and tired of trying to do what is right … we must remember who’s in charge of this world … our righteous Heavenly Father!
- There is certainly a promised “rest” awaiting us … we must be patient and wait on the Lord! He always keeps His promises (2 Peter 3:9).
- And we must continue to lead others to this place of rest!
Consider the words of the Scottish preacher, John Baillie (1886-1960), “Save me from worrying. Give me a strong heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all my burdens on You.” (A Diary of Private Prayer)
“… in due season we shall reap if we faint not!”
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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