A Man Reaps What He Sows
Date: May 31, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: The Bible Verse in NIV: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Gracious Father, open my ears to hear Your truth in this passage. Help me not to be deceived by the world's ways but to understand the profound principle of sowing and reaping. Guide me by Your Spirit to sow seeds that please You, that I may reap a harvest of eternal life. May my heart be receptive to Your instruction. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians to address the issue of legalism and the importance of faith in Christ. In this passage, Paul warns against deception and emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping. He highlights the consequences of our choices, whether they are driven by the flesh or the Spirit.
The passage reminds us that our actions have consequences. We cannot deceive or mock God because He sees and knows all things. We will reap what we sow. If we invest in pleasing our flesh, pursuing selfish desires and worldly pleasures, we will ultimately reap destruction. However, if we sow seeds of righteousness, seeking to please the Spirit and live in obedience to God, we will reap a harvest of eternal life.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Deceived and mocked: Warns against underestimating the principle of sowing and reaping, reminding us that God cannot be fooled or mocked.
Reaps what he sows: Highlights the principle that our actions have consequences and we will experience the results of our choices.
Please their flesh: Refers to pursuing selfish desires and gratifying the sinful nature.
Destruction: Indicates the negative outcome of sowing to please the flesh, leading to ruin and separation from God.
Please the Spirit: Describes a life directed by the Holy Spirit, pursuing righteousness and obedience to God's will.
Eternal life: Represents the ultimate reward and the harvest that comes from sowing to please the Spirit.
S - Summarize and Share:
Let's talk about sowing and reaping. You know, life is like a vast field where we have the opportunity to sow seeds every single day. The apostle Paul, reminds us of an essential principle: we will reap what we sow.
It's easy to be deceived in this world, to think that our choices don't matter or that we can mock God by indulging in selfish desires without consequences. But here's the truth: God cannot be fooled. He sees our actions, He knows our hearts. The seeds we sow today will bear fruit in due time.
What do we mean by selfish desires today? When we prioritize material things and wealth above everything else, or when we abuse things like food, alcohol, and drugs. Also, when our desires revolve around gaining power, control and manipulating others for personal gain, or seek recognition or fame and are constantly looking for validation from the world rather than from God.
If we choose to please our flesh, giving in to our selfish desires and pursuing worldly pleasures, we shouldn't be surprised when we reap destruction. But, there's hope! We have a better option. We can choose to sow seeds that please the Spirit.
When we align our lives with the Spirit of God, seeking to honor Him in all we do, we sow seeds of righteousness, love, kindness, and obedience. We invest in things that have eternal value. And guess what? The harvest we reap from such seeds is nothing short of extraordinary – eternal life.
In today’s world, where instant gratification and self-centeredness often prevail, it's crucial to remember this truth. Let's be intentional about the seeds we sow. Let's choose the Spirit over the flesh, knowing that our decisions matter and have far-reaching consequences.
I encourage you to take a moment to evaluate the seeds you've been sowing in your life. Are they driven by the flesh or the Spirit? Are they leading to destruction or eternal life? Make a conscious effort to sow seeds that please the Spirit, knowing that God is faithful to bring about a bountiful harvest.
Remember, you can't fool God, but you can sow seeds that please Him and experience the joy and fulfillment of a life aligned with His will. Let's be intentional in sowing good seeds, and trust God to bring about a beautiful harvest in our lives.
Bible Cross References:
Proverbs 22:8: "Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken."
Job 4:8: "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."
Hosea 10:12: "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."
2 Corinthians 9:6: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."