The Struggle

”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)

It’s that time of year again and the weeds are winning.  I am gaining on them! Yes, there’ll even be a point when I’m ahead, but those pesky weeds keep growing! It’s the struggle I have every summer—weeding my vegetable and flower gardens.

This struggle reminds me of the spiritual struggle in living a Christ-like life. The Christian must be vigilant and vigorous in this struggle to win the victory over temptation and distractions.  Just like those weeds, our sinful nature is still present. Satan doesn’t give up. He will try to get us off track by making the less important things become more important. He wants us to spend our time and resources on selfish desires. The Galatians wanted to make the law more important than the cross of Christ. Paul said, “. . . what counts is a new creation.”

In Galatians, chapter 5, Paul contrasts the sinful nature with life by the Spirit. The sinful nature is in conflict with the Spirit. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).  The law shows us our sin but it is the Spirit who helps us have victory over sin. Thank God, we do not struggle alone!

We will have a harvest at the proper time, if we do not give up.  If I don’t give up on pulling those weeds I can expect a harvest of flowers and vegetables, in due time. If we do not give up on “pulling” out those pesky sins, we can reap the harvest of spiritual fruit—love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Keep “pulling”! The struggle is worth it!