Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Illustration
The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and, in a few minutes, returned with the lens in her hand. "I really looked hard for that, Mom," said the youth. "How'd you manage to find it?" "We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150." Source Unknown.
Our society is very competitive in every way. We celebrate those who are the best at their craft. We reward CEOs and other top executives with financial incentives that can far surpass the yearly salary of a regular employee. Star athletes are acclaimed and idolized by many. The best and most lucrative scholarships and academic opportunities are given to the best students.
Most people will never be considered the “best” in what they do. Indeed, most of us are just trying to do our best though we may not be the best. It is said, doing our best is more important than being the best. This is because being the best can be too subjective at times. The standard for being the best depends on many factors, including, context, age, expectation, and talents. However, anyone can do their best at any time regardless of their level of talent or skill.
Doing our best is about perseverance, drive, dedication, personal integrity, and a great sense of honor. Our best may not be the best, but it can be inspirational and transformational to others. The only thing we must be the best at is doing our best.
In today’s text, the saints in the church at Galatia are encouraged not to become weary in doing good. It is important to remember that doing good is its own reward. Even when we are not acknowledged or celebrated as others, we should continue to do good to the best of our ability so we can reap a harvest in due season. Therefore, we should never stop doing our best or give up on our pursuit of excellence in the Lord.
The best motivation for doing our best is to bring glory to God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” God knows when we are doing our best. He does not treat us or evaluate us as the world does. He celebrates our feeble attempts to do His will to the best of our ability despite our talent level.
We must resist the temptation to compare our best with someone else’s best. God deals with us based on our unique design. Lest we forget, “our best deeds are as filthy rags in the sight of God” (Isaiah 64:6). Yet the Lord delights in all our efforts to do the good works He created us to do. So, don’t beat yourself up if you are not at the top of your career.
At times God humbles us and abased us so we can bear more spiritual fruits for His glory. You may not be a top executive in your company, the leader of a national organization, the author of a bestseller, the pastor of a megachurch, graduating summa cum laude, or on the starting lineup of a professional team, or a multi-platinum artist, your life is still notable to God and to those He purposed for you to serve. Therefore, continue to do your best and be your best even when more gifted people get all the accolades.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What is the difference between doing your best and being the best?
Why is it important to always do your best?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me not to grow weary in doing good when best is not acknowledged. May your Holy Spirit give me the discipline and steadfastness to work with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since I know that I will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.