Do Not Grow Weary

Paul told the Galatians that they were not to lose heart in doing good. Yet this often happens. We become exhausted as we go through life serving the Lord. As Christians, we need to deal with this feeling appropriately and not allow ourselves to “lose heart.”

About Feeling Weary

• This feeling is normal – any time we work or face difficulties, it takes a toll on us; this is the life of a Christian, working for the Lord (Matthew 28:20) and suffering for it (Luke 9:23; 2 Timothy 3:12)
• This feeling will hopefully be temporary – we are told to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4); we have hope of the comforts of heaven (Revelation 21:4); this should motivate us (Philippians 3:14)
• When feeling this way, do not allow yourself to “lose heart” (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:3)

Wrong Ways to Become Weary

• Become weary by doing evil (Jeremiah 9:5) – we are not to be “slaves of sin” (Romans 6:16-17)
• Become weary to gain wealth (Proverbs 23:4-5) – work is necessary, and when we work we are to work hard (Ecclesiastes 9:10); but this is about making our primary goal the acquiring of wealth
• Becoming weary in the futile pursuit of knowledge (Ecclesiastes 12:12) – studying is necessary (2 Timothy 2:15), but not all studying is important; some people study simply for the purpose of knowledge that is ultimately useless

Right Ways to Become Weary

• Keep in mind what we are talking about – we become tired AS we do right, not become tired OF doing what is right
• Serving the Lord (Hebrews 12:3) – Jesus did the Father’s will despite having to endure the cross; He left us an example (1 Peter 2:21-22) of obedience despite suffering (Philippians 2:5-8); we must “work out [our] salvation” (Philippians 2:12) and do all in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17)
• Doing good to others (Galatians 6:9) – there are two different ways to do this, and both are necessary; provide for one’s physical needs (Galatians 6:10), which is part of what it means to live by faith (James 2:15-17); provide for one’s spiritual needs (Galatians 6:1-2), and encourage one another (Hebrews 3:12-13)
• Working (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13) – if we work as Paul described, we will be tired (2 Thessalonians 3:8); we have a responsibility to provide for ourselves and our families (2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8); we are to “do [our] work heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)

How to Keep from Growing Weary

• Keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3) – He is our example; He suffered more than we will and was familiar with heaven, so He knew it was worth it to endure
• Get encouragement from others (Galatians 6:2) – we are to help one another; even the encouragers need support (1 Corinthians 16:17-18)
• Focus on your own work (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12) – quiet means to do our own work and not meddle in other’s affairs (Thayer); physical exhaustion helps us sleep, while mental burdens make it difficult (Ecclesiastes 5:12)

Conclusion

• Many things can cause us to become weary, even good things – but we must not get to the point where we lose heart
• “In due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9) – let us continue to do what God has told us to do and encourage others to do the same