Sowing & Reaping

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 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.” Galatians 6:7-8 NASB95

Like most 4-year-old children, Anissa hates going to bed. Getting a hummingbird to be still is easier than getting Anissa in her bed at night. Before you ask if I’ve thought of it, superglue or rope would just result in a visit from child protective services and some awkward explaining on my part. So, Ramona and I just keep fighting the good fight. I welcome advice from parents who have walked this same road. The only thing harder than getting her in bed each evening is getting her out of bed the next morning. We are doing our best to help her see the connection between the two problems. If she would go to sleep earlier, getting up would be a joy instead of a daily trauma.

Isn’t it strange how people have trouble seeing the connection between their actions and the resulting consequences? An old preacher I know has a way of getting to the point with his words. He would say, “What is down in the well always comes up in the bucket.” What you sow in your actions will determine what you reap in the future. You can’t separate your actions from the results of your actions.

I know what you may be thinking right now: “Well…duh! Pastor I already know this stuff. Why don’t you write something insightful or fresh?” I don’t know if this insightful or fresh, but did you notice the first clause of Galatians 6:7? “Do not be deceived…” God knows how we deceive ourselves into thinking that we are an exception to the rule. That is why He gave us the warning before giving us the principle of sowing and reaping. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it can’t happen to you. If you sow it, you are going to reap it!

Did you see the second clause of verse 7? “God is not mocked.” If you think you are going to be an exception to the rule of sowing and reaping, then you are not just deceiving yourself, you are taunting God. You are daring God to stop you! I may not be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but I do understand that playing a game of spiritual chicken with God on life’s highway is not wise. God isn’t going to flinch or swerve. Those who sow to the flesh will one day realize that life stinks! Stinks? Yes, that is what corruption means—decaying.

Now, I want you to see that Galatians 6:7-8 is more than a principle. It is a promise! If you sow the things of God’s Spirit in your life, you will reap the things of God’s Spirit. God doesn’t promise that your life will be easy and free of trials. He does promise that the end result will be eternal.

Love,
Pastor Larry
p.s. Does anyone know where I put my duct tape?