Throwing in the towel ∙∙
So let’s do what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9
Galatians 6:1-10
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
9 Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith.
Striving to Do What is Right: A Call to Integrity
In today’s world, the failure to uphold moral and ethical standards has become alarmingly common. Reports of high-profile scandals dominate the headlines, revealing a troubling pattern of dishonesty, corruption, and misconduct across all sectors of society. From corporate fraud to personal indiscretions, these failures serve as stark reminders of the importance of integrity and the consequences of its absence.
A Troubling Pattern of Ethical Failures
Numerous high-profile ethical and moral collapses have marked the last several decades:
- Corporate Scandals: Enron (fraud, misrepresentation), Arthur Andersen (accounting fraud), Volkswagen (emissions scandal), EF Hutton (check chaining).
- Financial Crimes: Bernie Madoff (Ponzi scheme).
- Sports and Entertainment: Lance Armstrong (doping), Mark McGwire (PEDs).
- Personal Misconduct: Anthony Weiner (explicit photo tweets), Uber (executive misconduct).
- Institutional Failures: Roman Catholic Church (Boston sexual abuse scandal), AH Robbins (Dalkon Shield).
These examples cover various industries, institutions, and individuals, highlighting the common occurrence of ethical lapses in our time.
Raising the Bar: A Call to Action
In the face of such widespread failure, it can be tempting to grow weary and give up on doing what is right. However, this is precisely the time to raise the bar. Renew your resolve to:
- Do the right thing.
- In the right way.
- At the right time.
- For the right reasons.
We have a perfect example to follow: the Lord Jesus Christ, who was unwavering in His commitment to righteousness, even in the face of immense opposition. His life created a “ripple effect,” inspiring countless others to emulate His example. As His followers, we are called to do the same.
Integrity in Action: Lessons from John Deere
The John Deere company exemplifies the power of integrity in the secular world. With core values rooted in honor and integrity, the company was recognized in 2018 as one of the world’s most ethical companies. This shows that doing the right thing is not only spiritually rewarding but also effective in the business world.
As members of the Father’s Forever Family, we are called to stand firm in the core values of the Father’s Kingdom. Integrity is not optional; it is essential. Doing the right thing should always be our first choice. As Winston Churchill once quipped, “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.”
The Challenge of Doing Right
Striving to do the right thing can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like the world is against you. Winston Churchill’s words during one of history’s darkest times offer encouragement: “You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory, there is no survival.”
Churchill’s determination to oppose Nazi Germany, despite seemingly overwhelming challenges, reminds us that doing what is right often demands perseverance, sacrifice, and steadfast resolve.
REFLECT & PRAY
As Lou Holtz wisely said, “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.”
Father, it is discouraging to work towards what is right only to face resistance or rejection. It hurts deeply. Yet, I know that the Lord Jesus Christ experienced this grief and never gave up. Please encourage me to persist, to raise the bar, and to avoid growing weary in doing good. Help me to trust You with the results and to find joy in walking with integrity.
INSIGHT
Persevering in Doing Good: A Call to Endurance
In the comic strip “Peanuts,” Lucy asks Charlie Brown, “Why are we here on Earth?” He replies, “To make others happy.” After pondering this, Lucy asks, “Then why are the others here?” This humorous exchange, shared by Wiersbe, reflects a more profound truth: helping others is central to our purpose, but it can also be exhausting and discouraging.
The apostle Paul understood this struggle well. He knew that even the most faithful of God’s children could grow weary and disillusioned in their efforts to do good. His words in Galatians 6:9 offer encouragement and a reminder of the rewards of perseverance, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Understanding Weariness and Discouragement
Paul uses two Greek words to describe the feelings of wariness and discouragement that can happen when trying to persevere in doing good. Although these words share similar meanings, they convey different nuances.
The first Greek term is ekluo, which is often translated as “giving up.” The word ekluo refers to “physical and emotional exhaustion due to exertion.” It conveys the idea of “being so tired or exhausted” that one “gives up” or “gives out.” On a deeper level, it reflects “losing heart, becoming discouraged, or feeling faint.” It emphasizes the danger of becoming so physically or emotionally drained that one abandons the effort altogether.
The second Greek term, enkakeo, is often translated as “losing heart, grow weary, or release.” The word enkakeo focuses more on the “internal discouragement and losing heart.” This is not the result of physical exertion, but rather a deeper, “psychological wariness that stems from disappointment, fear, or disheartenment.” It captures “the emotional burden of unmet expectations and unappreciated efforts.”
Paul’s use of both terms in his writings reflects his deep understanding of the human condition. He isn’t just talking about physical tiredness but the more profound, more dangerous weariness of the soul that can lead to giving up entirely. He encourages children of the King to protect themselves against both outward fatigue and inward despair.
Perseverance demands strength in both body and spirit.
The Reality of Discouragement
Frequently, our attempts to do good are met with indifference or even resistance. Our sincere efforts may go unrecognized, unappreciated, or completely thwarted. This can lead to feelings of discouragement, draining our motivation, and leaving us questioning, “What’s the point?”
Discouragement can:
- Sap our energy: It knocks the wind out of our sails.
- Diminish our interest: We lose the drive to continue.
- Lead to giving up: We abandon our efforts altogether.
Paul’s Encouragement: Don’t Give Up
Paul encourages us to persevere, reminding us that our efforts are never wasted. He compares doing good to planting seeds: a harvest is certain. What we sow, we will reap. Timing matters: the harvest arrives “at just the right time.” Growth is gradual, perfection is unattainable, but steady improvement is possible.
As fallen creatures in a fallen world, chasing perfection only leads to disappointment. Instead, we should concentrate on progress, on growing and maturing in our faith and actions.
The Power of Persistence
Persistence is the antidote to discouragement. As James Dobson wisely said, “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
Stooping to do what is right, even when it is hard, is always the right thing to do.
The road toward doing what is right may be long and challenging, but it is worth the effort. As we strive to do what is right, we might face setbacks, criticism, or even outright rejection. Recall, the outcome of our efforts is in the Father’s hands. Paul’s promise in Galatians 6:9 is a source of hope. We will reap a harvest at just the right time, as the Father’s timing is perfect.
Whether in the secular world or the spiritual realm, integrity has a lasting impact. As children of the King, we are called to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we stand firm in our values, our efforts will bear fruit, even in ways we may not yet see.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-6-1
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 