Journey into Lightl

I have seen the sad consequences this week of bad decisions leading to bad consequences, both for this country and for a church. I observed that we can’t escape the reality that good results come from good decisions that are made one at a time.

I think of the well-known statement that says,

Sow an act, and you reap a habit.

Sow a habit, and you reap a character.

Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.

Don’t Expect Good Results From Bad Decisions

So, why do we fall into the trap of expecting good results that stem from bad decisions?

I think we often make shortsighted decisions. The sluggard decides to take it easy because it feels good and he still has plenty of money in the bank. But then the unexpected happens and he needs a job and can’t find one. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands, and your poverty will come in like [gangbusters]” (Proverbs 6:10-11).

We also do not believe the Bible that eventually we will  reap the consequences of what we sow. For example, we avoid confronting sin in our life or someone else’s because it is painful. We avoid immediate pain but sow to the flesh. But God promises us “he who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8).

We should not expect to reap good results when we have not done business God’s way, in his power, and for his purposes.

Another example of how we expect to reap when we have not sown well is in the area of spiritual growth. Some Christians believe that God will grow them without their sowing to the Spirit by practicing spiritual disciplines. These are activities like Bible Study, going on retreats, and practicing silence. Done in dependence on God, they are an important way to cooperate with God in his transforming us into a loving, peaceful and joyful Christian.

Yet, some of us expect the benefits of the Christian life without work, even through the Scriptures tell us to “work out your salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Spiritual disciplines do not earn us spiritual growth, but they allow God to do his work in and through us.

How We Sow So We Will Reap

So, how do we sow so that we shall reap what we want?

First, we need to remember that God has wired the world to yield results consistent with what we do, think, and say. “Those who sow trouble shall harvest it” (Job 4:8).

Second, we need to examine each of our actions to insure that they are godly. We can’t expect God’s blessings when we fail to live God’s way each step of the way. “Does He not see my ways, and number all my steps?” (Job 31:4).

Finally, we need to sow to the Spirit in all that we think and do. “Sow to the Spirit and from the Spirit you shall reap God’s blessings” (Galatians 6:8, paraphrased). We sow to the Spirit through obedience, spiritual disciplines, and dependence on the Spirit to enable us to live the Christian life.

“Don’t be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever you sow, you will also reap” (Galatians 6:7, paraphrased).