“Don’t get tired of doing what is good.” Galatians 6:9 NLT

“Valuable blessings enrich the hearts and lives of those who serve others unselfishly.”

My thoughts today are about “lifestyle issues.”

Basically, I think everyone wants to do what is good, to be considerate of others and helpful. However, I can understand times that discourage a person from consistently doing what is right and good as a lifestyle. Good is not always recognized by those who take others’ goodness for granted and that becomes a bit discouraging. Or good is not always realized or appreciated by those benefiting most, and one’s efforts feel devalued. Also, a good deed is not always reciprocated in kind. There are times you may feel alone trying to do what’s right and good, and wonder if the effect is worth the effort. That is discouraging and makes you question whether living for the good of others warrants the sacrifice. You learn to do the right and good things because they are right and good, not because you feel like doing so.

Here’s the Bible’s encouragement to you, “Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone . .” Galatians 6:9-10 NLT. There is a natural weariness in doing what is right and good, however noble your intentions at the first. Fallen nature, within us and others, seems bent to resist good at times.

There is a very practical instruction in preceding verses that reminds you why you are not to become slack, “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well . . you will always reap what  you sow . . those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Galatians 6:2-8 NLT. Valuable blessings enrich the hearts and lives of those who serve others unselfishly. See Matthew 10:42 NLT.

Read those verses again thoughtfully; notice the rewards promised – “personal satisfaction, pleasing the Spirit, and everlasting life.” What could ever be more fulfilling? People search the world to find cheap substitutes for such personal reward and pay a high price in their soul while doing so, when those were readily available in one’s sincere kindness to others. Those benefits have their own intrinsic value, whatever the notice and appreciation of others, or lack thereof. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27-30 NKJV. Do what you can when you can in the best way that you can.

Doing what is right and good is internally satisfying unless the cost and time overshadows why and for Whom you are doing so. What you do for others, do as unto the Lord. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.” Ephesians 6:7-8/Colossians 3:23-24 NIV. I think this single verse sums it up well, “Your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14 TEV. Shine where Jesus can be seen more clearly.

My prayer for you today is this: let all you do be always to God’s glory and praise!