SOWING AND REAPING

Paul tells the Galatians that our choices have a harvest. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 KJV. He explains the contrast through sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit, then urges believers to continue doing good, especially toward the household of faith. The passage concerns our conduct before God. It isn't a formula promising that money given to a ministry will return as personal wealth. Jesus uses seed in another setting when explaining the parable of the sower. “The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11 KJV. Different hearers respond to that same word with different degrees of reception, endurance, and fruitfulness. The illustrations are related, but they aren't identical. Paul's sowing concerns the direction of a person's life. Jesus' explanation concerns how hearers receive the word. John 12 gives a further use of the image. Jesus speaks of a corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying, bringing forth much fruit. The surrounding account connects that statement with His approaching death and the call to follow Him. Read each use within its passage. The common picture helps us understand consequence, reception, and life, while the writer supplies the particular application. Galatians closes its instruction with patient faithfulness. We are to keep doing good as opportunity is given and trust the Lord with the harvest. #MoreJoyMinistries