We Reap What We Sow

Richard Thetford

In Galatians 6:7-8 we read: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." In presenting this basic and important lesson, Paul uses an illustration which is easily understood. The flesh and the Spirit represent, as it were, two directions in which different kinds of seed are sown. Paul tells us that if we sow to the flesh, that is, following the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), we will reap corruption, or death. However, if we sow to the Spirit, that is, following the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we will reap everlasting life. Paul said in Galatians 5:16, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

The present and the future are shown in the connection between sowing and reaping. As the farmer sows, and looks forward to the time of reaping, so it is with us. Life is a time of sowing, with the harvest coming at the judgment. If we sow to the Spirit, we can look forward to reaping eternal life. However, if we sow to the flesh, we shall harvest corruption. Not only will we reap evil here on earth, but in the end, receive eternal destruction. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Sin always pays its wages.

Are we sowing to the flesh or to the Spirit? Is the emphasis of our life on the physical or the spiritual? Remember, we will reap what we sow.