Consequences: Reaping and Sowing

Some laws are so powerful that we always comply with them whether we wish to our not. An example would be the law of gravity. An item tossed into the air will always return to its predominant source of gravity. Basically, what goes up, must come down. Airplanes and spaceships appear to flaunt gravity, but sooner or later they come down.

Spiritually, there is a similar law. Called the Law of Sowing and Reaping, this precept is Biblical:

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”  (Galatians 6:7).

Taken simply this passage suggests that you will get whatever you plant. Several weeks ago farmers in my hometown planted seed corn. There were not surprised when stalks of corn soon appeared across their fields. They would have been shocked had wheat arisen instead. They planted corn, and they got corn. It is an unquestioned maxim that seed produces after its own kind.

But Paul uses this principle to illustrate a spiritual law.

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 6:8)

Paul is saying that it matters how you live. It is nonsense to believe that we can live a worldly, undisciplined life and still find eternal salvation. Worldliness and Godliness are opposites. Consider Jesus’ words: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). There is a constant conflict between the world and the Christian. We must live in the world, for that is our burden, but we must not live like the world.

There are profound costs associated with worldly living: crime, punishment, despair, depression and constant conflict, to name a few. Such a list does not even include the certain horror of coming judgment. Well did Solomon say, “The way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction” (Proverbs 13:15 -NIV).

Our Lord cries out to his people to turn and flee from coming destruction. His plea is for us to live in such a way that we avoid eternal punishment. He calls us to come to him as a gentle master (Matthew 11:28-30) and accept his guidance. Are you beset by problems and struggles? Does it seem that every day is another day of toil and trouble? Would you like real freedom? Come to Jesus.

The world has no answers, yet, you live like everyone else and grope for deliverance. You are reaping what you have sown. Live differently and expect a better crop!

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