Is it not "Worth the Effort"?

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So often the old Devil seeks to discourage us by hindering the Lord's work. He is a master at discouraging the brethren. He knows every trick and every ploy. 

So often godly saints want to quit and say... "It is not worth the effort..."

Often Elders grow discouraged because sheep stray and reject all efforts to restore them. Many members could not care less that brethren grow weak and die spiritually, so they become grounds of discouragement by hindering the reclamation and discipline of lost members. Elders often feel... " It is not worth the effort..."

Often Deacons grow discouraged because so few will cooperate with them in getting the job done. Other deacons do not bear their fair share of the load and this discourages, too. They say... "It is not worth the effort..."

Often Bible School Teachers grow discouraged. Students do not study their lessons, and if comments are made, half are wrong or off the point! Many act as if Bible study is an "optional expedient" instead of "growth unto salvation." Then the old expression arises... "It is not worth the effort..."

Often Preachers despair. People often fail to react as they should to the word. Preachers' words and actions are often misunderstood, misrepresented or actually opposed, so he becomes discouraged. After years of study, application and faithful service, a handful of brethren can destroy the preacher's work by getting the ear of the eldership, so the preacher says... "It is not worth the effort..."

All of us have felt this on occasions about something we are doing for the Lord's cause. But through it all we must remember that what we do, we do for God!  Many times it takes tremendous effort to persevere in our work in the kingdom. Only those who have been there really understand the unremitting toil, sacrifice, time and effort, and even money it takes to continually achieve for the Master (in any of the above roles). No one else may even notice, much less sympathize or help.  But, 

God notices. God cares.
God is concerned and God will ultimately make it right.

It may not be worth the effort if it is for money we serve or for favor or popularity or for any of a hundred other reasons.  But, 

For God it is worth it!
Hang in there!

-- Andrew Connally, July 2001 --