Be not deceived

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."

Beloved of the Lord, last Sunday in connection with verse 6, we considered the Church's calling to support her minister financially. Those who are taught are to communicate or share with the one who teaches them. In that connection we also saw that the chief calling of the minister is to teach. He is to authoritatively instruct the congregation in the truth of the Word of God. In the way of this sharing, or communicating, we find our blessing. This is the way that we come to know the truth of the gospel, the truth about God, about Christ, about grace, about salvation. Thus, there is a reciprocal relationship here. The pastor gives. He gives the truth of the Gospel. And in return, the congregation gives. The congregation gives of the good things which they have received at the hand of the Lord. There is a sharing of the gifts with each other and thus, there is a fellowship and a communion.

Now as we move on to verses 7 and 8, the apostle gives us another very important principle which is related to the admonition of verse 6. It is the reason why we ought to be faithful to the admonition of verse 6. That principle is this: whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. If we do not share with our teacher the good things that God has given to us, we will reap accordingly. If we do share with our teacher, on the other hand, we shall also reap accordingly. We shall be blessed. But this principle does not apply only to the admonition of verse 6. The apostle Paul, although he may have had verse 6 in mind first of all and foremost, sets down for us here a principle that is so broad that it deals with all of life. For instance, it deals with the truths with which the apostle deals before verse 6. He says as it were to us, if we are not faithful to restore our sinful brother, we will reap the consequences of that unfaithfulness. If we do not bear one another's burdens, then that will come back upon us. If we are high-minded and conceited, then we will get just what we give. This is God's rule. This is a principle which God has set down. What a man sows, that is what he reaps. That's quite a sobering thought, a very important principle, something that we ought to take note of as we live our lives. This is a role which we cannot set aside. This is not something that can be thwarted. This rule abides as surely as the God of heaven abides. Therefore we better be careful what we do. We better be careful what we sow because what we sow, we will reap.