Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one 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. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 

                                                                                                                 Galatians 6:7-9 

We conclude our study of Galatians with a sober reminder of the two options we each have in this lifetime. One option is to live for ourselves, with all of the excitement and pleasure that this world has to offer, effectively ignoring spiritual life and the things surrounding eternity. The second option is to reject the ways of the world and fully embrace the cross of Jesus Christ, receiving the Spirit, effectively making our spiritual lives priority one, and making eternal treasure of more value than anything else. Paul explains this in what I call the sowing and reaping principle. It really is the simplest of analogies to understand. If a farmer sows sawdust in his field and expects to reap a crop of corn, he would be considered foolish by any farming standards. If he wants to reap corn, he must sow corn in his field. In other words, you reap what you sow.

I am amazed at how many, if not most, seem to only focus on the things of the present world. To immerse ourselves in the seven, eight, or nine (on average) decades we exist on earth with little or no consideration for eternity seems recklessly shortsighted. The world continually reminds us that “we only go around once” so grab all you can in this life. Even mentioning spiritual things to someone possessing this mindset can be a little like talking to a brick wall. I will admit, I have been frustrated on many occasions because of this disconnect with these folks. But we really shouldn’t get frustrated, primarily because it really is impossible for a non-believer to understand spiritual things because their lives are void of the Holy Spirit. Consider the following truths:

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 

                                                                                                     1 Corinthians 1:18 

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (the Holy Spirit), that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

                                                                                                               John 14:16-17 

Unsaved people do not possess the Holy Spirit therefore they view the cross of Jesus as foolishness. Likewise, they are unable to understand the power of God’s Spirit because that truth is spiritual discerned. These are the people who are sowing to the flesh therefore it would be impossible for them to reap anything spiritually.

But for those who are born again, they not only have abundant life on earth, but will also gain eternal life and everything that God has for those who love Him. Consider one of the most well-known verses in all of scripture:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

                                                                                                                           John 3:16

Those that sow to the Spirit, by placing their faith in Jesus and making the things of God a priority, will reap a harvest of salvation, spiritual life, love, joy, peace with God, power, godly wisdom, and spiritual discernment as well as eternal life. It really is not complicated. We have two options, how are you sowing your seed?

…and He (Jesus) died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

                                                                                                           2 Corinthians 5:15