418. Doing Good: Wary Or Weary, Or Both?

“The apostle Paul,” Stan began, “in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica wrote something that opens up a good play on words.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“The difference between being wary and being weary,” Stan replied.

Continuing, he said, “Paul wrote to the church encouraging the people not to grow weary of doing good.  And, it seems to me, that there are at least two ways to follow his encouragement, one acceptable and one not.”

“Which two ways?  I asked.

“In the first place,” Stan replied, “I can avoid growing weary of doing good by not doing any good.  If I am wary of doing any good, in the sense of just sitting on the sideline rather than getting in the game, there is no chance that I will grow weary of doing good.  But that surely is not what God wants or what Paul was writing about.”

“On the other hand,” Stan continued, “I can do good and avoid growing weary of doing so by relying on the strength and encouragement of God.  If I find myself growing weary of doing good, it is likely that what I am doing is coming from me rather than from God. I am seeking to do good by my own power, rather than relying on God.”

“Thus,” Stan concluded, “I can avoid growing weary from doing good by not doing any good or by doing it by relying on the strength of God.”

“Two choices,” I responded.  “I think I will choose to rely on God.”

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But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.  2 Thessalonians 3:13.

Prayer:  Thank you, my Heavenly Father, that you want me to do good and that you want me to do it in your strength and under your direction.  I confess that too often I fail to do what good you have for me to do because I want to do what I want to do apart from you.  Please forgive me.  And please lead me, and help me to follow, in doing all you have for me to do.  Help me to rely only on your strength and encouragement, knowing that when I do so I will never grow weary of doing what you have for me to do.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.