Can you explain what Galatians 6:7 means?
Listen: 115.2
To begin answering your question, let’s read Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” This is a principle that is also taught in other places in the scriptures. Job 4:8 tells us, “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” We read in Hosea 8:7, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…”
Although this is a general principle that applies to saved and unsaved alike, the Apostle Paul is writing directly to believers here. Even for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, we are warned that we reap what we sow. This applies to kind, quality, and quantity. Does this truth make you nervous, or does it give you comfort? Does it cause you to re-think your actions and intentions, or does it give you the assurance that your labors are not in vain? Of course, to sow means to plant; and to reap means to harvest. Whatever it is we plant, we shall harvest in like manner. When a farmer plants corn, corn stalks will grow. When a farmer plants beans, beans will grow. It is a simple principle, but one that should cause us to seriously think before we act.
Our actions in this life are like seeds sown. It includes the time we give to the Lord’s work. It includes the monetary sacrifices we make to continue the Lord’s work. If we sow good seed, we will reap good results. If we sow according to the lusts of our own flesh, we will reap corruption. May we all be fully aware that God is not mocked. We cannot fool the Lord about our actions or intentions. He knows the heart and will reward us accordingly. We read in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” If we, because of laziness, worldliness, or apathy, began to sow very little seed, the harvest will be small. If we sow generously, then the results will be great for us.
The words of Solomon speak to us of the advantage of the good seed sown, and the disaster of bad seed sown. Proverbs 11:18 tells us that, “…him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.” The one that sows righteousness, or good and pure deeds, and makes it his business to do good for the Lord’s glory; he shall receive a sure reward. Then Solomon warns us in Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” To sow discord is to plant the seed of doubt, discontent, jealousy, and division among the Lord’s people. The Lord hates this because if we sow such things, we will reap such things. To plant the seed of things that cause discord among fellow believers, can bring about disastrous results.
May I ask, what do you wish to harvest? May the Lord open our eyes and give us the desire to sow those things that honor Him and benefit others. This will guarantee a good harvest, either in this life or when are in the presence of our Lord. (115.2)