Scripture:
Galatians 6:6-10 ESV
[6] Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. [7] Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [8] 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. [9] And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Observation:
Paul is speaking to the Galatians. In the last chapter, he identified the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Requesting that we keep in step with the Spirit. Walking according to its desires. Now, in chapter 6, he is explaining why this is so important. He has been teaching them the word. Showing them how it applies and giving them instructions on what to do with it. Tell them once you know the good things, make sure you share that with the teacher. In verse 7, we see a phrase he uses regularly. Do not be deceived. It’s important to take note of that statement. He uses it over and over in his writing. The next thing he says in that verse explains that GOD will not be mocked, whatever a man sows will he also reap. This principle is valuable and should be ingrained in the heart of every believer. It’s a principle that works so well that other religions have copied it and renamed it… calling it karma. But remember, GOD will not be mocked. It’s the law of reaping and sowing. Paul wants them to see that what you feed will grow. If you focus on what your flesh wants. Then sin will make you a slave. However, if you feed your Spirit man, GOD’S will become more clear and easier to chase after. Therefore, your harvest becomes eternal life. Verse 9 gives them the idea that we can become exhausted in doing good. His encouragement in that is to press on. Just because you don’t see anything happening now doesn’t mean it won’t. It’s like trying to watch a plant grow. You can’t sit there with your eyes, never moving off the plant and seeing the growth. You have to relinquish the plant. When you step away and come back to it, then you will notice the growth. At just the right time, GOD will bring an increase. IF we don’t give up. Verse 10 brings us to an end. Saying, let’s just take every opportunity to do good. Being a blessing to all those whom GOD places in our path. Especially those who are of faith. That in my mind is self-explained… just do good to all, and then you never have to look back and say “Man I wish I would have done that differently.”
Application:
In my addiction, I used to wonder why my life never got better. I always struggled and fought for every inch of ground that was taken. The only thing I was harvesting was corruption. As I look back, there’s no wonder why. That’s all I was sowing the seeds you plant are the crop you will harvest. You can’t be selfish and expect a harvest a selfless person is getting. When GOD sees those selfless acts. HE will produce a harvest of righteousness. Just think about the example we had in Jesus. HIS actions on the cross were selfless. If you are reading this, there is a very good chance you are part of HIS righteous harvest. HE sowed to the Holy Spirit, and HIS crop is proof of that. The thing is, GOD sees the intention of your heart. That is what it means when the scripture says GOD will not be mocked. If you are sowing with selfish intentions, HE knows, and if your acts are selfless… well, that is seen as well. You can’t fool HIM. I was just thinking about 2 groups of people that are described in the bible. They are explained in the end times. One group is trying to justify their entrance into heaven by what they did… saying, “Didn’t we do all the right things?” They were not allowed to enter. Infant the words that were said are very scary… depart from me. I never knew you. If that doesn’t make your heart jump. I don’t know what will. The other group is asking something like wait when did we do that?” They are not keeping track of their good deeds. They are just selflessly sowing to the Spirit. You may never hear of what they have done. In fact, when you see their random acts of kindness, you may be asked not to tell anyone. They are not sowing to the Spirit so that others can see. They are just doing the right thing. Because it’s the right thing. I don’t know about anyone else reading this, but that is the group I want to be in. I don’t want to grow tired of doing the right thing. Because it’s the right thing to do. None of this life is about me or you for that matter. HE is the one that brings the increase. IF you want good things to happen, do good things, and that will. Be the change you want to see. One more thing, and then we will close in prayer. You may be working with someone who seems to not be moving forward. Don’t give up. A watched plant never grows. But if you step back and pray. GOD will show you the growth in HIS time. This harvest has nothing to do with us. It’s HIM that brings the increase. Let HIM do so. In fact, you may never see any increase in that person. Because the glory is not yours, it may not come for years after it seems to disappear from your life. HE is the GOD of the harvest. Sow good seeds, and the harvest will be good. Sow bad seeds and the harvest will rot. What is up to you is the seed you sow.
Prayer:
Father, we want the crop to be pleasant for you to look at and harvest. Help us to choose the right seeds. Lead us with your Holy Spirit. Sow that the crop produced is one that can be used for your glory. We know that at times, we may not see what you are doing. Because the plant is setting roots under the surface. But at just the right time you will bring an increase. We trust that you are working on all things for good. Because we truly do love you, and you have called us out by name. We want our lives to bring you glory. We know it’s not our glory, but yours. Let our hearts be set on doing the right thing no matter what. This life is about you. So we surrender all. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.