September 24, 2025 | Be God's Family
Reaping What You Sow
Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10(NIV)
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Devotional
Growing up, as well as living my adult life in Indiana, when you step outside in rural Indiana, you can always tell the change of seasons based on farmland. If we look at a calendar of events, typically planting crops start in April, then scouting and managing for pests and diseases happen throughout the growing season, and lastly harvesting takes place in late September or early October. This overview, though simplified, paints a clear picture of the agricultural cycle.
In this passage, Paul points out that the crop you plant in the soil will inevitably sprout forth into a harvest. In our own lives, what will our harvest be? What are we reaping? What are we sowing? What was Paul referring to? Work of the flesh vs the fruit of the spirit. If we continue to do work of the flesh, that will likely lead us to negative outcomes, while nurturing the fruit of the spirit will likely yield positive results. If we are investing our time, talents, gifts, and services into temporary, worldly or fleshly things, it will amount to destruction. It then can damage our relationship with God and each other. On the other side, if we invest in the fruit of the Spirit, the Spirit will yield the harvest of spiritual blessing that will not go away. You will reap spiritually, relationally, mentally, and physically according to what you plant.
Paul encouraged the Galatians to not give up in doing good. God promises to reward those who are faithful in the long run. Our walk with Christ is not a sprint, but more like a marathon. You may not be able to see the goal, but in those difficult times it’s important to concentrate on making the right investment by doing good even when no harvest seems possible. How many times have you done good and not seen the results? How many times have you not seen any fruit? In those moments, God is saying “Don’t give up”, let us continue doing good and give it to God to yield the harvest.
Question for you; what are some positive actions?
Caring for and/or reaching out to those in need.
Extending forgiveness to others.
Sharing the Gospel.
Offering words of encouragement.
Deepening our engagement with God’s Word.
As we reflect on this scripture, one cannot help but think, where are we sowing seeds in our own lives? Are we investing in nurturing relationships, serving our communities, and enriching our spiritual journeys? Where have we grown weary and on the verge of giving up? Paul’s message is a wonderful reminder that every day is an opportunity to plant seeds of love and encouragement. Let us embrace this call to do good for all.
Poem
Decisions And Consequences
Psalm 126
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126:5-6
As she went off to college
My child, I pulled aside
“Decisions, yours, you now will make---
Your consequence decide
With wisdom will come righteousness
Despite what others see
With foolishness, great downfalls grow
With varying degree
But either way, what’s sown is reaped
Be quick or long delayed
Each seed will germinate its fruit
Then in your life displayed
So set your mind on Jesus
Your kneeling prayers employ--
E’en tears shed in repentance
Will bring harvest of joy!”
