“Sow a thought, reap an action,” observes a classic adage. “Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a life.” The principle behind these words is one we all know: We reap what we sow (v. 7; Hos. 10:12–13). God put this principle in place as a general representation of justice or fairness. To act otherwise is to mock Him. This works in both positive and negative directions (v. 8). If we live to please the flesh (our sin nature), the result will be destruction or hell. If we live to please the Spirit, on the other hand, the result will be eternal life or heaven. We cannot do both, and there are no cases in which one way of life leads to the other outcome.
Paul explains that is why we should keep doing the latter (good deeds to please the Holy Spirit) in order to reap the right kind of harvest (v. 9). Even if we’re not seeing immediate results, we can stick with this path in confidence that it will lead to the desired destination. Therefore—Paul stated—we should take every opportunity to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (v. 10).
We need to be careful to see sowing and reaping as a general principle, not as an ironclad law by which God is bound. That’s how Job’s “comforters” erroneously saw it: If Job was suffering, he must have done something sinful to deserve it (Job 4:8). Nor does Paul in today’s reading promise that righteous choices will automatically lead to prosperity or comfort in this world. As he wrote elsewhere: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17).
Go Deeper
Have you experienced times of reaping what you sowed (either good or bad)? How can we avoid growing “weary in doing good”? (v. 9)
Pray with Us
It is not always easy to persevere in doing right, Lord. When we grow tired, please give us strength to endure. When we have doubts, please remind us of Your faithfulness.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Galatians 6:7
