Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

Sowing And Reaping Righteousness

Sowing and reaping are not all bad. Paul warns that sowing wild oats will bring a harvest of heartache. God will not be fooled. If a man sows unrighteousness, he will harvest the same. The rule of nature remains the same for man and seed. When wheat is sown in the field, the farmer is not expecting a crop of watermelons. Apple trees will not bear bananas, and peach trees cannot produce grapes. Each species produces after its kind. Birds create birds, fish make fish, and land animals reproduce in the category of their own species. The law of sowing and reaping applies to the deeds of man. If a man lives a life of immorality and carelessness, he will die accountable for a life of rebellion. God is not mocked.

While Paul confirms the negative lessons of sowing and reaping, the law of sowing and reaping also applies to righteous things. Paul warns against sinful sowing but encourages the saints to sow to the Spirit those things that are true, noble, and righteous. If a man desires to enjoy the fruits of his labor, he will plant those things that will bring joy and happiness. A farmer sows a field of wheat to enjoy the blessings of a bountiful crop of wheat to make bread for his family, among so many other things. God has established the laws of nature that tell the farmer to plant rows and rows of corn, and he will be blessed with a bountiful crop.

Righteousness is a seed that, when planted in the heart, will bring forth multiple blessings. Godliness is a guide to help the soul find eternal life. The blessing of God’s grace ensures that those who live a godly life will be blessed with eternal life. But the outgrowth of godliness will also benefit the life that now is. Godliness is profitable for living in this world as one plants seeds of truth in their hearts. From this truth blossoms the love, mercy, and grace of God. When a man sows the word of God in his heart, he will reap the manifold blessings of an eternal Father who blesses the heart with so many things.

Reaping and sowing are important parts of Christian growth. If a man has barns full of corn, he has worked hard to plant, cultivate, tend, and harvest the crop. His joy is found in the blessings of the bounty. The same applies to growing the Christian spirit. Planting the word of God in the heart is where faith comes. Cultivating the word with prayer helps to ward off the weeds of unrighteousness. Constant attention to the growth of the heart in the word of God will bring about a bounty of blessings that will fill the heart with God’s word. In the spiritual barns of the Christian’s heart is the strength to endure hardship, face persecution, and remain faithful to the end.

Jesus taught that the seed was the word of God when He described different types of hearts. The work of the Christian is to constantly sow the pure word of God in the heart daily, filling the mind with prayer, keeping the hands busy in the industry of the kingdom, and always keeping the eyes on the goal of the prize of the upward call of Christ. When sowing and reaping are a part of the Christian’s life, their lives will be full and complete in the grace of God. Sow the seed. Reap the joys of righteousness. Fill the barns with the harvest of God’s word.