It takes effort to choose “good” and be good. The good news is, our effort is not in vain and we have help.
Galatians 6:9, King James Version
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Most of the time people quote Galatians 6:9, when referring to giving money to the church or doing charitable acts for people, and that is an accurate interpretation. However, “well-doing” is more than just giving an offering, it also means doing what’s good.
Galatians 6:8-10, New Living Translation
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
The Apostle Paul advises us to not get tired of doing what is good because there is a reward for right choices and a penalty for choosing evil. The problem is we usually know the difference between good and evil, we just have a hard time choosing good over evil. Why?
Unfortunately, our flesh has a default setting—selfish. Living to please ourselves is easy. In fact, it feels natural because it is. Think about it. It’s not hard to ignore the homeless person on the street asking for money. It’s easy to skip church this week and even easier to let the offering plate pass by without contributing. Does it really take a big effort to hold a grudge? Not really.
Romans 7:18-19, The Living Bible
“I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can’t make myself do right. I want to but I can’t. When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.”
It takes effort to choose “good” and be good. This is what’s difficult: Going out of our way to be kind to someone who has mistreated us. Using the money we set aside to buy something for ourselves to help someone in their time of need. Going to church service after an exhausting day at work when we feel like relaxing in front of the television. Submitting to our supervisor’s methods, even when we think we have the better idea. All of these acts require work on our part. We have to do them on purpose. No wonder people get tired of being good!
Jesus experienced weariness too. The Pharisees hated him and continuously followed him, criticizing and plotting how to kill him (Matthew 9:1-12, Matthew 12:1-5, Matthew 22:15-18). The people he was sent to serve, rejected him (Matthew 27:16-20). Even one of his own disciples betrayed him (Luke 22:47-49). Meanwhile, Jesus had an assignment—preach the Good News and offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Did he feel like being persecuted? Probably not. Did Jesus let weariness stop him? No.
Hebrews 12:2-4, The Living Bible
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood.”
The good news is, our effort is not in vain and we have help. God is not surprised that our flesh (sinful nature) is giving us a hard time. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in everyone who has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Ephesians 1:12-14), is assigned to give us the power to make right choices. The Holy Spirit gave Jesus power and Jesus died so we can receive the same power.
Acts 10:38, The Living Bible
“And you no doubt know that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were possessed by demons, for God was with him.”
The Holy Spirit is always leading. Are we following?
Romans 8:12-14, The Living Bible
“So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
When we submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we receive supernatural strength to do what we can’t do on our own. It is good to start a race, but we receive a crown for finishing.
- James 1:12, The Living Bible – “Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Living Bible – “I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And not just to me but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to his coming back again.”
