Sowing and Reaping

Sowing and Reaping - Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1-17

Jesus told a parable of a good man who sowed good seed in his field. While he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. Later when the grain sprouted, both the wheat and the tares appeared. If you sow wheat, you reap wheat. If you sow tares, you reap tares. The apostle Paul was a tentmaker, but he understood "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7.

One way to sow good seed is to support those who teach the Word of God. "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches." Galatians 6:6. This is the right thing to do. It's safe to say that most preachers are not in the ministry to strike it rich. But they should be properly rewarded for their labors. Unfortunately, there are those who ask for "seed," promising prosperity, and then plant the seed in their own garden. They'll reap what they have sown.

There are those who "sow to the flesh." The works of the flesh are evident in their lives. Galatians 5:19-21. They "will of the flesh reap corruption." That's the way it is.

Only blind fools make a mockery of the things of God. Homosexuals are placed in positions of leadership in some churches. The innocent life of the unborn, a gift from God, is aborted like disposable tissue. God has no place in government or schools or the workplace. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked." Galatians 6:7.

But others "sow to the Spirit." These are the do-gooders, who are often mocked as "do-gooders" by those who are not. In a spirit of gentleness they restore to fellowship those who are overtaken in sin. They bear their own burdens, and help others to carry their load. They do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Here the fruit of the Spirit is manifest. They "will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." Galatians 6:8. This is not salvation by works. It is indisputable evidence of a salvation that works.

The fruit of our labors does not appear overnight. Some Christians find themselves in slow growth ministries despite all their efforts. Paul says, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9. Sowing season and reaping season are not the same. James speaks to us, saying, "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain." James 5:7.

Be careful what you sow.

Lord of the harvest, teach us to sow to the Spirit. Help us to be patient in our service for You. Show us what opportunities we have to do good. Lead us by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen!

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