The Rotten Fruit of Weariness

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:8–9

Earlier in Galatians, Paul compared the fruit of the Spirit with fruit of the flesh. Christians bear fruit in their lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Everyone else does what they want and bear fruit of anger, jealousy, idol worship, and disputes.

Now in the last chapter he compares the two again. All one has to do to reap corruption is do whatever they want (6:8). But Christians do not grow weary in doing good. Weariness is where Christian fruit rots.

The greatest threat to the church in America is not the growth of Atheism or Islam. It’s not the sexualization of our children in government schools. It’s not even the secular state. Its apathy. Its you believing that you can retire from the Christian life. Its you putting all your good words and faith into a Spiritual 401(k) so that when you reach 65, you can live off of that for the rest of your life and leave no spiritual faith for your children and grandchildren.

In 1972, 90% of US population identified as Christian. Recently, in 2020, 64% of US population identifies as Christian. Almost 50 years separates close to a 30% reduction. “But Caleb, that 90% was probably inflated with nominal Christians” you say. Yes, I am aware. But your rebuttal proves is the rot started much earlier. It also shows me that many of you probably believe that your 100% spiritual heritage will make it the next 50 years when its closer to 50%

Let FBC be a church that sells ripe fruit, not rotten fruit. So, wake up each morning early and eager to pick up that cross. Confess your sins each day because the forgiveness of God is more consistent than gravity. Tell your wife, grandkids, and children about how good God is. Tell them those stories more than that fishing story that keeps changing.Pray, plan, and prepare for your faith to impact the next three generations. Work hard with your mind and body sacrificing them on the altar. Go to bed tired and exhausted. Go to sleep tired but not weary, because tomorrow is a new day to not grow weary in doing good.