Sowing and Reaping

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth 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

Most of us have seasons of sowing to the flesh. Unfortunately, those seasons often reap corruption that can affect the course of our lives. It is not an accident that these principles of sowing and reaping and not being weary in well doing are side by side in scripture. Two observations I have made. First, those of us who have had seasons of sowing to the flesh have many occasions to potentially grow weary and faint as we seek to sow to the Spirit in the midst of the corruption we have reaped. God does redeem us. God does make all things new. God does not necessarily erase the consequences of our sin. King David is an example that comes to mind. David's life was forever altered after his season of sowing to the flesh. Yet, David recognized God's holiness and righteousness. He did not grow bitter and angry with God, but rather continued to call upon him and draw near to him. Thus, in spite of David's season of sowing to the flesh and reaping horrible corruption in his life and the life of his family, at the end of David's life, God was able to say that he was a man after God's own heart. For those of us in this situation in our lives, may we strive to have that said of us as well. We must not grow weary.

On the other hand, some have purposed in their hearts from a young age not to sow to the flesh. They are sowing to the Spirit with much fervor. This path, too, is difficult. This requires much strength and much endurance. This is definitely not the path of least resistance, but the promise remains -- in due season you will reap the fruit of the good seed you are sowing. Never bend, never turn, never give up or give in. Fight the good fight and be a Daniel in this world! Having lived with the consequences of sowing to my flesh, I can say without a doubt that you will never regret avoiding the additional pain from reaping corruption. I encourage you to continue to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Great is your reward in heaven, dear friend!