“Devote yourself to repeated positive activity that grows steadily over time. The challenge with this type of movement is that you rarely detect forward progress from day to day. . . . Coming to grips with the slow speed at which goodness travels it critical if you are to maintain the long, persistent journey of faithfulness.”- Jeff Manion
“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)
On Day 30 (“Goodness Grows Slowly”), Week 6 of Dream Big, Think Small, Jeff Manion contrasts the sticking power of evil with the short shelf life of goodness.
For example, when evil crashes into our lives with deafening force, it achieves staying power. Evil strikes. Consequently, evil needs no reaffirmation. Also, evil is decidedly news-worthy.
In contrast, goodness travels at a slow speed. Furthermore, goodness requires consistent reaffirmation over an extended period of time. Finally, goodness rarely strikes. Instead, it arrives on the stage with little drama. Goodness makes very little noise. Thus, it’s a quiet virtue.
However, Pastor Manion counsels, such repetition takes something out of us. It drains what little energy remains. Hence, Jeff notes, the apostle Paul wrote in Galatians of a weariness that leads to throwing in the towel. In addition, we tend to crave overnight success – quick results. So, Paul used a farming metaphor. Because you can’t rush a harvest. You must plow, plant, and wait. For goodness grows slowly.
Finally, Pastor Manion offers these words of encouragement:
” . . . demonstrate the compassion of Jesus. It’s slow and steady. It’s loving and beautiful. But it isn’t headline-gathering. Goodness rarely crashes upon us with deafening impact. It arrives instead through the repeated kindness of the diligent faithful. It moves quietly, traveling the slow path of devoted love.”
Today’s question: What most helps you devote yourself to repeated positive activity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the annotated bibliography of Dream Big, Think Small
