Life Ministries

Sowing and Reaping

    I have often said that if there were one scripture, one word from God, one thing that would apply to life in every way, it would be this: “You reap what you sow” ( Galations 6:7 )  This scripture starts out with “God cannot be mocked...” God, in His sovereignty, has created certain laws, natural, physical, and spiritual laws, and there is nothing we can do to change them. They are eternally set in the universe. Then there are the words “sow destruction, reap destruction”… “sow eternal life, reap eternal life.” By this we can say that this principle of sowing and reaping applies both positively and negatively. There is also have another principle that goes hand in hand with this one that is related; it is found in 2^nd Corinthians 9:6-11 - “sow sparingly, reap sparingly; sow generously, reap generously.”

    Sometimes we reap what we sow immediately. We stick our finger in the fire: we get burnt! Other times we may not see the effects, or the harvest, for a long time. Drug abuse is a thrill ride! Drinking is cool! Selfish attitudes make us feel powerful and in control… But, God says something is taking place. A pattern is being formed. Damage is taking place slowly. One day there will be consequences. What we do today will affect tomorrow.
    Unfortunately, too many people either do not understand or neglect this principle of sowing and reaping. As for the consequences, we will find a way around them; a pill, a shot, a by-pass, a trans-plant, cloning, whatever. But, in the end there will be consequences.
    What about the consequence for physical and verbal abuse?  What about the consequence of children born in fatherless homes? What about the consequence of sin? Long ago God warned the Israelites that their neglect of truth would “affect the children and their children for the sins of the father to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 20:5 ) We are reaping some of that today! However, remember that the principle of sowing and reaping is also positive. A positive influence has the same positive affect!
    Life is about driving responsibly; having a curfew; getting good grades; being honest; keeping your room and your life clean; taking care of yourself physically, and spiritually; it’s about sexual choices; truth, actions and decisions that will affect our dreams, desires, and goals in life. It’s all part of what is called “the quality of life.” Every season is an opportunity for a new beginning. It’s never too late to change what you are sowing in order to change what you are reaping in life.
    There was an old T.V. show called “Truth or Consequences”… I could sum this up by saying the Truth is, there will be Consequences…good or bad…you reap what you sow.