“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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:8-10
Devotional Thought For The Day
We have to be warned about “sowing to the flesh” and urged to be “sowing to the Spirit.” Christians are not exempt from the continuing duality of our old sinful nature and the new man created in Christ Jesus. This warning and urging pertains to the behaviors that we engage in – whether good or evil, proper or improper. It also pertains to sins of omission – “growing weary of doing good,” and passing on opportunities to do good to others, especially our fellow believers. Many times each day we have these opportunities, and at certain times we have great opportunities to truly bless others – in times of great need. In our hearts we weigh the alternatives – to do good, or to not do good. The one course strengthens faith and love, and constitutes the path of those who have eternal life; the other course leads to greater selfishness, impenitence, unbelief, and finally corruption. Lord, have mercy.
We don’t always get to pick and choose the “opportunities” for doing good that come our way. We don’t always get to pick and choose the “crosses” that are laid upon us. Nor can we dictate the kind of resources that we may have in order to respond to the needs of others. We cannot give what we do not have. But if we have resources to do good to others, especially to our fellow Christians, and we close up and shut off our compassion toward them, so that we do not do what we know is good, we are intentionally sinning [James 4:17] – and we call into question whether God’s love even remains in us at all. [1 John 3:17] Our orientation and our commitment in life, and the decisions we make, have an impact on our faith and relationship with God. Not from His side, but from our own. Sowing to the flesh destroys spiritual vitality; engaging in love and kindness strengthens God’s love within our being.
We all have much to repent of and to confess in this regard – and thankfully God does not grow weary in doing good for us. His forgiveness and mercy is fresh and new each day, and His Spirit is patient with us, abiding and urging us to repentance, stronger faith, and greater love. So we should repent often, and allow God to comfort us with His forgiveness. This is precisely what reorients our decision making, changes our hearts, so that we are continuously moved to greater energy and eagerness to do good. Then the tough and difficult decisions about whether or not to serve the good of others tilt towards God’s will – and we become more eager and compelled to do whatever we can for the blessing and benefit of others.
We need to be admonished about this, and reminded. And we need to remember that we do not always get to control the opportunities for good that come our way – just as we can’t always dictate what resources we have been blessed with. But when we have the resources, and the opportunity to do good arises, let us take great care as to what goes on in our hearts. The impact is great – both on those who are in need, and within our hearts. Lord, have mercy.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, remind us each day of the good that You have done for us, in Your life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection. Keep us repentant and believing. Keep us mindful also that all good things in life come from You, and are to be used for the good and blessing of others. Help us in our struggles with our sinful and selfish nature so that we can choose the good and sow to the Spirit. Thank You for the assurance that in due time we will reap eternal life. Amen.