Keep doing good stuff
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Galatians 6:7-10
This is a great truth, we may not always feel that we get what we deserve in life, but we always reap what we sow.
I understand these words could be used to condemn, but I hope, like me, you will see the encouragement too. There is a great encouragement to know that even when you feel your work seems hard and fruitless, there is a sure eternal reward for all your many unseen efforts. Just be sure you sow your time and energy living as the spirit leads.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. – Romans 8:14
Notice too that it doesn’t simply say ‘Don’t stop doing good works’. Instead it says ‘Don’t be weary in doing good works’. Doing good stuff for others is not something we have to endure, but rather it’s something we get the privilege of doing along with God. I believe that’s because doing good works is a product of having God, who is good, living in us. We can’t help but to do good works, it’s our natural state because, although we are not saved by good works, we are saved unto them.
‘For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’ – Ephesians 2:10
This comes with a promise that you’ll reap a harvest at the proper time. This isn’t a straight exchange of doing a good thing and getting an instant reward. The time for harvest is in God’s hands. Even when times are tough, we must hold onto this promise and never give up.
We must look out for the God given opportunities to do good and particularly toward fellow believers. We are one body and as such when we help each other, we are helping the body we belong to which pleases God and fulfils His command to love one another.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. – John 15:12,13
So today, keep doing good stuff as the spirit leads and not just to gain earthly rewards. Never give up, because God’s timing is perfect and He promises a harvest. Look out for the opportunities God will surely send your way. Always be ready to fulfil His command to love one another.