Sow, Focused on Eternity

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Galatians 6:8, ” For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. “

Background

I wonder how much farm land there will be in heaven. When you hear the descriptions of what heaven will be like, it usually includes streets paved with gold, marvelous walls and jewels of all kinds, glorious thrones and non-stop daylight. But when God gives us instruction through the writings of Scripture and the life of Jesus, many times it takes on an agricultural nature. Of course, so many of the people during the times of the Bible were farmers of some kind, so it makes sense that they would associate with this type of lesson. But even today, after thousands of years of advancement, our societies are sustained by the fruit of the land and the lessons that it still teaches. So we should take seriously the direction from Paul concerning how we sow our lives and what we should expect to reap. For we all are farmers of some kind, casting forth seed from our lives, watering and fertilizing it, and then reaping what it produces. The key is to know what to sow in order to reap what you desire. And any farmer will tell you, the paths to reaping a poor harvest are many and wide, but the way to a bountiful one comes only through intentional, consistent work.

Application

So Paul tells us to restore a fallen brother in gentleness, looking out lest we also be tempted, if we want to reap a life that’s everlasting. He says if you’re thinking you’re something when you’re not, then corruption and waste are waiting for you. If you want your life to have an eternal sense, then you give to the ministry from the good that you have received. You bear another’s burdens, which is more than just telling them you’ll pray for them. Paul reminds us that belonging to Christ means our fleshly passions and desires have been crucified. No wonder when we sow there we only harvest corruption. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. The decay is occurring even though it might not be apparent. But sowing to the Spirit is visible in love, joy, peace, and the rest of His fruit. So, look forward to the harvest of your life, and sow the seeds that will be worth reaping.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to show you where you are sowing. And then stop working those fields that are full of decay and corruption. Begin putting all your efforts into the field of eternal life.