We Reap What We Sow

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 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: 7 – 9

It’s time for “a Cole garden” update! (First described in the May 12th entry: God Gives Us Food.)  Several of you have written to ask if it is growing, and I am pleased to report that it is going well! We did have one little problem, but thankfully, it all worked out.

Two days after we planted the seeds, they had a torrential rain in their area over a short period of time. We had planted the corn along the edges and it washed away those seeds, but he still has the others he chose to plant – the watermelon, cucumbers, red pepper, and cilantro (he wanted to plant for his dad), and they are growing and doing well!

Cole is so proud of his first garden and has enjoyed watering and checking on it each morning. He still doesn’t have any sign of “fruit” on the vines, but he knows it will be coming soon! And to think that I had my doubts! I should have remembered God’s promise that what we sow, we reap! The harvest will come!

Sowing and reaping. It’s a law of nature and a law of God’s truth in every aspect of our lives. What goes around comes around. Good gives rise to good, and evil to evil. Our words and deeds result in consequences.

Sometimes it can be a difficult lesson to learn, but one that is so true! What we sow today, we may reap tomorrow. It can certainly give us reason to pause and reflect on our own lives.

Are we sowing seeds to please God, to show our trust in Him, and planting them in others, or are we sowing seeds that would displease Him? We know that Scripture tells us that this concept will always apply in our spiritual lives – in our character, in our relationship with God, and in our relationship with one another. It makes up the moral fabric of who we are and who God wants us to be.

His desire is that we sow seeds in our own hearts that will produce a strong faith in Him. But He also expects us to do more. Each of us has the chance to sow goodness into the lives of others. We can offer help in times of need, share our blessings, give them our love and understanding, graciously show kindness and mercy, and above all, we can give them the hope we have found in Christ. And when we do, we will “reap” the rewards – not necessarily in terms of wealth, but in the things that truly matter, such as loving relationships with family and friends, satisfaction and pride in our accomplishments, contentment and peace, and the joy of knowing we have a God who loves and cares.

In this verse, Paul is also reminding us of this basic truth: We shouldn’t be deceived into thinking we can dishonor God by ignoring Him and His principles for our lives. We sometimes think we can do whatever we please and God won’t really notice or care. But nothing is hidden from God. Turning our backs on Him in such an obvious and deliberate way “mocks” who He is and all He has done for us. When we do so, we can expect to “reap” negative consequences.

Often we may even question the “fruit” that comes to those who haven’t earned it, or we may ask why our own wasn’t greater – especially after we thought we had “sown” well and had done our best to obey God.

Paul thought it important to remind us not to become weary or discouraged in following Christ. The harvest may not come in the way or at the time we had hoped or expected. We may have to wait for months, years, or even unto eternity. But we can be assured that our “fruit” will come.

God may have another plan such as strengthening our faith to refine our character or to teach us patience, but we need to place our trust and confidence in Him, and be patient. God desires our best and if we give it to Him, He will reward our faithfulness to Him. The harvest will come!

Prayer

Dear God, may we sow good seeds in our lives as we love and honor you, our families, and those around us. Help us to lead lives of integrity, faithfulness, and trust in you. Amen