Do Not Grow Weary in Well Doing

“There is nothing so fatal to character as half-finished tasks,” wrote David Lloyd Geroge.

Life is full of challenges, tasks, and burdens that can wear us out, wear us down and fill our hearts with weariness.

Possibly, you’ve heard about this man who exemplified persistence and perseverance to an incredible degree. His life story is condensed in these events with his age when they occurred on the right.

Failed in business 22
Ran for Legislature–defeated 23
Again failed in business 24
Elected to Legislature 25
Sweetheart died 26
Had a nervous breakdown 27
Defeated for Speaker 29
Defeated for Elector 31
Defeated for Congress 34
Elected to Congress 37
Defeated for Congress 39
Defeated for Senate 46
Defeated for Vice President 47
Defeated for Senate 49
Elected President of the United States 51

That’s the record of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President.

The Bible often calls for Christians to overcome spiritual fatigue that can render us ineffective and unproductive in the Lord’s work.

To the Thessalonians, Paul urged, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13).

He offered a similar exhortation to the Galatians. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9)

The Hebrew writer also warned, “not to grow weary or fainthearted”(Heb 12:3).

The term often used in our culture for weariness is “burnout.” Defined burnout “is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.”

Yet, the Bible challenges us not to allow discouragement, discontentment, and disillusionment to dissuade us from our spiritual duties.

(1) Don’t grow weary by the wickedness of the world.

We live in a world obsessed with wealth, material possessions, and sex. These idols are worshiped by the masses. It can sometimes feel like no one is listening to the simple message of the gospel. And furthermore, no one cares.

Yet, there are many scattered throughout the world who are faithfully serving the Lord. Shunning evil allurements. Letting their light shine. And holding fast to spiritual values.

Take heart. Be strong. Stand fast.

(2) Don’t grow weary by the amount of work to do.

Sometimes a job can seem overwhelming. The amount of work is staggering. And the task before us is almost paralyzing.

When our jobs are demanding, family life is challenging and our spiritual obligations are pressing, weariness can set in.

Realize no one can do it all. Pause. Take a deep breath. Refocus. Just do what you can do. Each hour. Each day. Each week. Each month.

(3) Don’t grow weary by the indifference of other people.

When we see so many who seem not to care, lack commitment and have little interest in the values we hold dear, it can be disheartening. Sometimes that’s even the case within our own physical or spiritual families.

Remember, you can’t force others to share your concern. Your values. Or your vision. Don’t allow their apathy to affect you and alter your course in life.

When faced the problem of weariness impeding your progress, remember the advice of John Quincy Adams, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”

Harvest time is coming. “Be not weary in well doing.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman