2 Thessalonians 3:13, “As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
Do you ever question, as you strive to grow in your relationship with the Lord and do good intentionally, if what you are doing is worth it, and does it matter to anyone? You want to be an influencer and be of benefit, but seeing the results is requiring more patience than you might have. Maybe you feel that you are the only one pulling your weight and your efforts seem useless. You are looking for immediate gratification and where is it?
David Guzik’s Commentary states: “The older King James Version has this, be not weary in well-doing. There is plenty of well-wishing in the world. Well-resolving, well-suggesting, and well-criticizing are also found in plenty. Many people are good at well-talking, but there is not enough of simple well-doing.” Doing an excellent full day’s work, working past 5:00 PM, may be necessary. Then, we have to take care of our home by vacuuming, cleaning the floors, dusting the furniture, scrubbing sinks, and doing the laundry and dishes, and be creative in making dinner; if we do them as seeking to serve God, He sees, and that is called obedience. When you give a word of affirmation, you are a well-doer. It just doesn’t have to all be done in one day. Even though we feel exhausted from the day’s responsibilities and tasks, if we remember that all we have is one day at a time and it is a provision from God, we need to thank the giver because He knows, He sees, and He is faithful.
The parallel verse of 2 Thess. 3:13, is Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” The NASV says “And let us not lose heart in doing good. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 also states, “Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The NLT states, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” That is a verse to pray when you wonder if your efforts are appreciated or not. Ask yourself, what does God want me to do today? Do that and do it intentionally and enthusiastically.
When you need more peace and quietness, draw upon Isaiah 32:17, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” True peace and quiet is not found in an extended vacation, although that might be helpful. Peace and quietness within is the result of having a righteous heart. As you confess any sin and allow the Lord to change your life, you will have the indwelling of quietness, peace, and assurance, independent of your circumstances.
The MSG says 2 Thessalonians 3:13 this way, “Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty.” It is easy to be discouraged if you don’t see any results from the fruit of your hard work. So what should then your game plan be? 1.) “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4-5. 2) Shift your thinking from impact to God. “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5b.
Do things well and to the best of your ability. Be obedient to God. Then leave the results with Him. God loves you not because of what you can do. He created you and did so in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Keep on keeping on – your efforts are not futile. Do whatever you do well as unto the Lord. God will reward. God is faithful and “will not forget your work and labor of love (Hebrews 6:10).” Well-suggesting, well-criticizing, well-talking are all dominant actions rather than liberating actions. Be a liberator by being a well-doer. Invest in eternity in your time, money, and abilities. Influence people for Christ because of what He has done for you. Live according to God’s Word, enthusiastically, intentionally, and purposefully. God will reward and will bless you for your efforts if you do it for Him. Count on the Lord’s presence, protection, and provision. Do not be weary, abide in Christ, do not lose heart. A sage woman once told me, “Linda, sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing. Be patient and do nothing right now.” I recall her words frequently. Abide in Christ. Be a well-doer liberator, and keep on keeping on doing what is right.
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