“Be not deceived; God is not mocked—for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And, let us not be weary in well-doing—for, in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:7-9
Much better is sowing seeds of righteousness than seeds of wickedness and then praying for crop failure.
Somewhere along the line years ago someone coined the phrase “Sowing one’s wild oats.” And, usually when such words are used the one using them is seeking to justify his/her lascivious lifestyle of wanton immorality.
In reality, according to today’s Manna, we’re all in the business of “sowing,” whether we realize it or not. In fact, even now our lives are being groomed for eternity—i.e., we’re either experiencing glimpses of Heaven or already foretasting the bitterness and regrets that await one in hell (cf. Lk. 16:19-31).
Why, then, do so many scoff at this Manna?
Simply because they do not know or fear the One Who wrote it.
And such is always the case with one whose mind is blinded by the evil one and whose ways are foolish before a holy and righteous God (II Cor. 4:4; Ps. 2:1-3; 10:4; 14:1; 36:1-4).
That’s why the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle Paul, said/says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked—for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” He then goes on to talk about “sowing to the flesh,” which is giving in to one’s “lusts of the flesh, eyes and pride of life” (I Jn. 2:16). In so doing, one shall “of the flesh reap corruption (Grk. ‘phtroa’—‘decay, ruin, waste, to shrivel up, etc.’).” Simply put, being (as someone said) “One becomes so earthly-minded that he’s no Heavenly good.”
However, when we realize we are made to be God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He has before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10), we also realize the importance of “sowing to the Spirit.” Or, another way to put it, it’s investing our lives in God’s Kingdom-work, which is eternal, not temporal.
Likewise, when we “sow to the Spirit”. . .trusting Him to “bring the increase” (I Cor. 3:7)… we should not be surprised that we shall also “bear the fruits of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23). And, as with earthly fruit, His fruit has spiritual seeds which are to be sown in the lives of those around us—which results in “life everlasting.” Hallelujah!!
So, how goes your sowing, Pilgrim? What type “seeds” are you sowing today? Seeds of “love, joy, peace, etc.” or fleshly seeds that will soon rot? Have you grown “weary in well-doing”. . .wondering “What’s the use?”. . .giving in to discouragement, disillusionment, depression and despair? If so, “Fix your eyes on Christ” and don’t take them off (Heb. 12:2). That way you’ll not “faint before the Finish;” instead, you’ll finish strong as you “fight the good fight, run the good race and keep the faith” (II Tim. 4:7). Amen and amen.
by Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 2, 2009
