Effort = Reward

Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Recently, a friend and I were talking about doing the right thing even when you don’t see immediate results. It can be difficult to love someone and do everything you feel you are supposed to do and see no response. It can be exhausting to teach your child over and over that they shouldn’t be selfish, but realize how blessed they are, only to have them prove over and over that they still “don’t get it.” It can be frustrating to talk to someone about doing the right thing and getting right with the Lord, only to have them reject what you say. Galatians 6:9 reminds us that we are to persevere. We rely on God to help us keep on keeping on. Life can be hard, but any good thing takes effort.

• A good marriage takes effort and the effort reaps a lasting love and a deep, rich connection that can overcome anything together.
• Godly parenting is unending and sometimes painful, but the results are eternal, children who are lead to Christ, who learn to love and respect God and are a blessing to others.
• Going to church and Sunday school takes effort and sacrifice. We may be tired from a long week or have other things we need to do. But the result is growing in God, developing relationships with other Christians and being a part of something that is bigger than ourselves.
• Being diligent in service to God takes a commitment. It takes time, effort and sometimes tears. But the result is God’s blessing and a feeling of peace, knowing that you are being obedient. And it could mean eternity to someone else.
• Spending time in God’s word and in prayer takes sacrifice. We sacrifice our own fleshly desires in order to draw closer to God. The result is a close, personal relationship with God and a fulfilled life of joy and peace.

Proverbs 13:1 says, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” We may not always see immediate results, but we should never give up!