Paul in his epistle to the churches of Galatia wrote: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) There are two things to note from the passage:
First, there is the recognition of the possibility of experiencing what we might call spiritual burnout. This is not the same as becoming physically tired, but rather being tired on the inside. After years of visiting the sick, helping the needy, teaching Bible classes, evangelistic efforts, etc, we might just be ready to stop. But the passage urges us to “not be weary in well doing.”
Second, the passage gives this powerful motivation for continuing to work in the kingdom: “For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” In another place Paul writes: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
There will always be the sick and shut-ins to visit. There will always be the poor and downtrodden in need of our help. Jesus said, “Ye have the poor always with you.” (Matthew 26:11) And there will always be lost souls in need of salvation. Let’s never lose our zeal for the Lord’s work.
Claude