DILIGENT HANDS IN SERVICE (4)

“And let us not grow weary while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” – Galatians 6:9

GOD cherishes and recompenses DILIGENT HANDS in SERVICE: “And let us not grow weary while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:9-10). Paul urged the Galatians not to grow tired of doing good, but to keep living in a way that’s consistent with their faith. They were free people in Christ, and God's Spirit dwelt in them. He assured that the good works they were doing in the power of the Spirit would bear fruit. It is the same with every Believer in Christ. Our investment to serve and do good, matters both in this life and in the life to come.

We see in these verses, the precept, principle, promise, and peril. The precept: “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (v.6). The principle behind the precept: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (vv.7-8). The promise: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap…” (v.9a). The peril behind the promise: “…if we do not lose heart (v.9b) – getting weary in the work of the Lord, and eventually fainting or stagnating in the ministry or work of service.

Many believers minimize the place of good works in the Christian life, assuming that being not saved by good works, then good works are irrelevant and should be shunned. But our Lord commands: “Let your light o shine before men, that they may SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt.5:16). It is not only by words that we testify to the greatness of God, but also by our works. Our good works in fact pave the way for witness with good words. If our walk contradicts our words, we lose our testimony. Our “walk” and our “talk” must agree. Good works and good words must flow from the same yielded heart. Many believers emphasize guarding the truth, but downplay living the truth. It is good to be defenders of the faith, but we must not forget to be demonstrators of the faith by means of our good works!

One way to get set for divine increase is to deepen diligence in service. Many believers are praying and trusting God for increase in various aspects of their lives, but are unwilling to be diligent in those areas. Diligence is an attribute of faithfulness, and faithfulness is a dimension of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22). It is the character of God in us that makes us demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment both to God and to people we serve or are connected to. It makes us put our whole being into whatever we’re doing and give our best attention, commitment, and focus, whether people are seeing us or not. Diligence is about being careful, meticulous, thorough, and persistent.

God greatly relishes, expects, and rewards all manner of diligence in our lives, beginning from the way we seek Him (Heb.11:6). Let’s recall few of these. We’re to guard our heart with all diligence (Pro.4:23). We’re to be diligent in all our hands find to do (Ecc.9:10). Pastors are to know and cater to the state of their flocks diligently (Pro.27:23). Leaders are to carry out their responsibilities with diligence: “…he who LEADS, with DILIGENCE…” (Rom.12:8a). People who are diligent are not nervous about accountability. For them, times of accountability are actually times of honour and promotion. Diligence in little things can attract unbelievable increase in influence: “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities” (Lk.19:17). Our diligence in service will always pay off with blessings!