Sowing and Reaping

In Galatians 6:7 we read... "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows that he will also reap." and verse 8 says "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption... "

What does this mean to you?

I learned this verse as a child and never, ever forgot it. It was powerful in a way, however, I only understood a very negative part of the verse. Sowing seeds of sinfulness and the end result. After all 70 plus years it has dawned on me through study of the Word and by the Holy Spirit, (Bless Him) that there is more, much more to this message than Galatians 5:17-21.. Do read it.

Praise God-- Galatians 8:6b goes on to show the beautiful bright side of this great truth.

"BUT he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (emphasis mine)

And verse 9 goes on to say... "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

And verse 10 goes on with...

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

WOW.. can you see this?

Don't you just love God's 'BUTS' in His Word?

But he (or she) who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life and do not lose heart. See how it goes on to say.. "'do good to all' especially to those of the household of faith."

And this later part of the verse crosses all boundaries and means everyone who is -- In Jesus. And how do we know who they are? Are they just the ones we worship with in OUR CHURCH? How blind we are if we think so: because we cannot see the heart and only God the Father knows who have been cleansed by the blood of His dear Son.. Jesus.

So, as I see it... it behooves me to be very careful how I judge others and who I consider to be in the 'household of faith.' For sure, it doesn't seem to say only those with whom I worship and fellowship with each Lord's Day. I'm afraid that this has been my thinking and very narrow at that, for many years. He raised my sights to see beyond my denomination.

His CHURCH has no boundaries -- it is limitless and vast! Hallelujuh!

Praise God, someone must have been praying for me as Paul prayed for the Ephesians in chapter one verses 17 -

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,"

(and ) 18-"the eyes of your understanding (or heart) being enlightened;

that you may know what is the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe,

according to the working of His mighty power which He worked

in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and

seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above

all principality and power and might and dominion,

and every name that is named,, not only in this age but also

in that which is to come."

So what will we reap if we do not lose heart? According to Romans 6:8 it will mean eventually living with Christ, as I see it. However, there are many seeds we are able to sow and reap in the mean time. As we go back to read in Galatians 5:22 and 23.. we find the fruit of the Spirit and all those fruits have wonderful seeds that I see in my Christian friends all around me. "Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.. all being sown by you and me. May God bless you, each one in your sowing and reaping. May your harvest be blessed. Until next time..