June 2020

“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 NIV

We are not oblivious to what is going on around us and with us. We are aware of the insurmountable chaos that never seems to let up for the year 2020. We are still being ravaged by COVID-19, killer hornets are on the loose, dams breaking in Michigan, and injustice seems to still run rampant. What do we do when we feel like the world is crumbling all around us, and we cannot take “no more bad news”? 

Paul answered this question for the church of Galatia. Their world was chaotic. The Galatians were being ridiculed for their new faith. Many were being stoned and imprisoned. There was inner turmoil within the church as the Christian Jews had an issue with the Gentile Christians not following mosaic law. Paul is trying his best to keep the peace even though he spent 80% of his ministry locked up in chains. Yet, he never stopped encouraging to continue amid darkness, chaos, and confusion. He provided the stability of understanding that we cannot give up or walk away when the going gets tough. Too much has been previously laid on the line from our ancestors to give in now. Paul knew that while it seemed like forward progression was not happening, it was, and that is why the resistance. Resistance to a new way of life, faith, and belief in how we are all made in the image of God and created equal.

Because he could see the walls were breaking down when the church of Galatia was focusing on what was happening right now.  Right now, it is important, but it is temporary. Paul knew if we keep our eyes on the prize, keep working, keep loving, keep supporting that ultimately the change would come. They would reap the harvest they had planted.  

I encourage and implore all of us, not to grow weary in well doing for we too shall reap the harvest if we faint not. We are stronger together!

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy