Plant Good Seed
Today’s Text: Galatians 6:7-8
CHRISTIAN LIVING 21C

You reap what you sow is an immutable law—like gravity. The apostle Paul addressed the relationship of sowing to reaping in a letter to the Galatian church:

GALATIANS 6:7-8
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

We are painfully aware of the negative side—unpleasant memories, regrets and guilt. What appeared insignificant in the moment can resurface with repercussions years later.

Paul, however, reveals there is a positive side to sowing and reaping that is seldom emphasized. Sowing to the Spirit demonstrates the value we place on the fruit of the Spirit and ultimately eternal life.

Paul draws us to the practical day-to-day implications in the next verses:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (v. 9-10).

People of faith don’t do good deeds to earn salvation, but in response to God’s gracious gift of salvation. The outward expression of our faith is bound up in doing good to others—not works-based salvation, but rather salvation-based works.

Paul would have recognized a good deed as a mitzvah, a command or obligation, that demonstrates a desire to cooperate with God to do good in the world. He acknowledged that when we don’t always see immediate results, it’s easy to become discouraged or disillusioned. Some may even stop doing good works altogether.

The point is, God is not mocked. God sees every action. Nothing is hidden from Him.

The message is obvious. Don’t become tired in doing good because God personally sees every good deed. Although not done for reward, every deed—regardless of the seeming insignificance—ultimately bears fruit.

There will be a harvest! The law of sowing and reaping guarantees that the more you plant, the more bountiful your harvest will be.

The past is the past. But, today presents a new opportunity to plant good deeds that will yield a rich and beautiful harvest tomorrow.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Known for authentically communicating biblical truth, Rev. McCracken’s presentations are relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2018, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added).

IMAGE:
1) Plant Good Seed. (Agriculture in Israel: Moshav Tzofit.) יגאל שרגיאן [CC BY 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

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