Devoted to Good Works
This week’s article will be shorter than most, because it is quite the week for me and for our family. My mom’s birthday, my sister’s high school graduation, and my high school best friend’s wedding are all taking place within 4 days of each other, and I’m here in Tennessee to celebrate all three. Two thoughts have dominated my mind in preparation for this week: the thought of how blessed I am, and the thought of how busy I’m about to be.
Recently, I came across this statement from Jesus in my personal study: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48b). This week is proving that statement to be true for me. I truly believe I am surrounded by some of the best people in the world in my personal life as well as in my work in Virginia. There are times when being surrounded by people – even the best people – is tiring, but the people themselves are what make that tiredness worth it.
Jesus exemplified this truth as well. Mark tells us that early in His ministry, He was already experiencing fatigue because of how many people were becoming dependent upon Him and His power. Even after a night of healings and prayer, however, His response to His disciples reflected His love for the people to whom He was devoted: “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out” (Mark 1:38). Jesus was tired, but He knew that the source of His tiredness was godly love. If that is the source of your tiredness, being tired is worth it.
I’ve heard many people say this statement over the years, but the person I associate it with the most is my Grammy (that’s Mrs. Donna to you). She has always taught me that when I am tired or anxious or lonely, the best thing to do is to get busy serving someone else. Once your focus is on the needs of someone else, you’ll quickly lose the tiredness, anxiety, and loneliness of the day as they are overtaken by the love of God. If you are struggling this week, do an out-of-the-ordinary good thing for someone, whether it’s someone you love or someone you barely know. You’ll get to watch the Lord’s love do its work and know that if that love is the source of your tiredness, being tired is worth it.
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13
AUTHOR: Luke Tatum
