“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”
while doing good,
The “good” in this context is spiritual sowing for an eternal harvest. The idea is more that of noble, praiseworthy, or admirable deeds in contrast to the works of legalism. There is beauty in doing good. God’s harvest is a noble mission.
for in due season
We will receive our reward in God’s timing. “Due season” is God’s season. God operates on His own time, the appropriate time. There is a long time between planting the seed and the harvest, but God’s appropriate timing will come at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
we shall reap
The one thing that will keep the Christian from flagging in his service for the Lord is to keep his eye on the goal – his reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. God will not forget what we do for Him. “Shall reap” is a promise from God. Keeping our eye on that goal will give perseverance that goes beyond our normal strength.
“Reap” here is not salvation but reward. Because of the distance in time, until we receive a reward, we might become discouraged in doing good. Reaping will come in God’s time.
“Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward” (2 John 8).
Principle:
Because the Lord promises we will ultimately reap what we sow, there is no excuse to give up in our service for Him.
Application:
There is a supreme harvest for every Christian. At the judgment seat of Christ, God will overlook no service done for Him. We will receive the full reward there. By keeping our eye on that goal, we do not allow anything to discourage us from God’s purpose for us.
Those who keep their eye on the goal of the Judgment Seat of Christ never become despondent. They never let apathy overtake them. People may criticize, malign, and slander us, but we move right on.
Each one of us will give an account for what we did. It will be rather grim for some of God’s people when they have to account for their time, talent, and treasures.
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
