Let us not become weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV)
Practice is a necessity for every golfer who wants to become a better player and have more success. But practice can be wearisome if results are slow in coming.
The apostle Paul, in our verse for today, addressed a similar issue in our walk with Jesus. He told us not to become weary in well doing. It is hard to follow this advice when what we say and do seems to fall on deaf ears and blind eyes. Yet Paul also assured us that if we don’t give up, we will reap a harvest. In a practical sense how do we keep on going when what we are doing seems to be a thankless endeavor?
It strikes me that, in golf and in our Christian walk, we often grow weary when we try to do too much at one time. We try to fix our swing overnight, and we believe we have to accomplish big things for God. Jesus has something entirely different in mind. He tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. What does that really mean, and how should we try to do it?
Who is our neighbor? Anybody you know you can help. Look for what they need and help them—that’s what Jesus did.Jesus gave us the greatest example through the way he lived and interacted with the world around him. He loved everyone he came across, with a kind of love that willed the best good of the person. In other words, he approached everyone with the idea of what good he could make happen for that person. What did they need—food, hope, forgiveness, healing, a friend? He did for them whatever they would allow him to do that would make their life better and more meaningful. That’s how he loves each of us. He wills the best good we can have in our life.
If we follow his example and look for ways not to just relieve suffering but also to share this abundant love of Jesus, it makes it easier for us to navigate through our days. We are not called to save or help the whole world—just our neighbor. Who is it in your life that you could really help? Not some potential person, but the real neighbor who might be your friend or your enemy. We show our love for God when we show his love to our neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Anybody you know you can help. Look for what they need and help them—that’s what Jesus did.
If we learn to love our neighbor as Jesus loves us, we will see a great harvest. Humanity is desperate for an answer to the pain and anguish of living a life without God. We introduce our neighbors to him when we love them with a kind of love that sees them and loves them no matter what. Love that seeks to find good for its object. That’s the kind of God we serve—one who sought us out and provided a way for us to experience his best good for us.
Be not weary in well doing. The fields are ripe for harvest.
—
Linda Ballard
December 5, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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