Perseverance in Well-Doing: The Christian's Unwearied Labor

The path of duty often becomes the path of difficulty and discouragement. Efforts to do good are misunderstood and ill-requited; benevolent plans are ridiculed, motives misrepresented, kindness abused, and hopes of success treated as visionary. Yet the true servant of Yahweh acts from principle, not impulse, proceeding with determination to discharge the duties Elohim has laid upon him.

The Christian's vocation—kalon ergon (good work)—comprises two dimensions. First, regarding ourselves: we must start in the heavenly course and persevere therein. Second, regarding our fellow-men: we must attend to their bodies (as James 1:27 and Matthew 25:35–36 command) and, more importantly, their souls. This requires sympathy, words in season, and consideration for others' feelings and prejudices.

Performance demands unwearied constancy. We often feel our unfitness and unworthiness, mistaking coldness of heart and apathy for humility. Guard against such spiritual deadness; great diligence, patience, and heartfelt earnestness are required.

The incentive is certain: "In due season we shall reap." Yahweh's service yields return—not labour without recompense. He gives to every man according to his work. We lay the foundation of eternal character in this present world through kataggelus (proclaiming) the Gospel by our deeds. We are endowed by Elohim with capacity to impart blessing; all works done for God are seed-sowing whose fruits will be reaped in the age to come.