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Reaping What We Sow

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (NIVUK)

These are possibly some of the most serious verses of the Bible to stir believers into a greater commitment to being true disciples of Jesus Christ. They remind us that God has created a ‘cause and effect’ world in which actions (and failure to take appropriate action) have consequences: some are experienced in this life, some in the next. In part the passage refers to the need to share resources with other believers, and spiritual leaders (Galatians 6:6 ); but it is more generally applied in Galatians 6:9 which instructs us not to be weary in doing good to all people, especially believers.
 
We have all been given much to ‘sow’ (our money, possessions, energy and ability to serve), but where we sow it and with what motives will determine the spiritual ‘harvest’. Those who ‘sow to please their flesh’ will earn God’s wages for their sin. Those who are led by the Spirit, and give themselves to serve in whatever way He commands, are already demonstrating the transformed lifestyle which is the early experience of eternal life. This is not a message of ‘salvation by works’ but a message to encourage discipleship. Of course, we are all sinners and that is why Jesus Christ died to take the punishment which was due to each of us. Those who ignore His grace will reap destruction.
 
The big message here is that if you do everything to please yourself, you will only end up with the wreckage of your inevitable failures; but if you live to serve the Lord and His people then you will receive His blessing. Follow Jesus and share His reward or seek your own pleasure and lose it. It is the same as Jesus’ message in Luke 14:25-27 . However hard it is to read the words of this verse (do read them again), they are necessary words. When the church is pressured by persecution the options are clearer; but when it is easy to be a Christian, possessions and pleasure compete to rule our hearts. But God is not fooled: so repent and turn back, plead for His mercy and receive His grace to be a servant of the Great King (like the people in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ). There is no lasting value in being a little king satisfying yourself with pleasure – that is the route to losing everything.

Prayer 
God of all knowledge and justice. Thank You that You are right and true in all You do, and that You have designed the cause and effect nature of the world so that we know we do not live in a random environment, and are accountable for what we think, say and do. I repent of my fleshly attitudes and behaviour and ask for Your mercy. Please forgive me and teach me how to live a life which pleases You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams