R. L. Morrison
Columbus, Georgia
"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" (Gal. 6: 7-8).
Although few, apparently, are acquainted with these scriptures, they present a lesson that is greatly needed today. The principles of truth contained in them are easily discerned about us in this life, but few examine the evidence. We should be interested enough to carefully examine them, for these scriptures have to do with life, not only here, but hereafter. Our eternal destiny may well be the result of a decision made as we study them. Therefore your earnest attention is requested.
Warning Against Deception
First, there is a solemn warning against deception. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." There is great danger that men will be deceived in reference to their character.
The source of this danger is the corruption of one's own heart. When the conscience is so seared that men conclude they can do anything they wish, trample underfoot the laws of God, and yet escape the consequences, they deceive themselves. One may deceive his fellowman and keep it hidden, but he cannot hide it from or deceive God. To mock means to despise; to deride; to scoff at. This men attempt to do when they disregard God's law and sow to the flesh.
Sowing and Reaping Connected
We should also consider the connection between the sowing and the reaping. It is not
possible for man to break the Divine Order. There is a time of sowing and there will be a time of reaping. The reaping shall be as the sowing. This principle is easily understood. We see it in nature every time we see a seed grow. If we should watch a farmer sow oats
and then hear him say "I expect to harvest a fine crop of wheat from this field," we would think that man a fool. No one should expect to harvest wheat when he sows oats. If any harvest is reaped it will be according to that sown. So it is in the acts (sowing) of human life. The acts of life are as seed sown for the life which is to come.
This brings us to a consideration of the two sowings.., and the two reapings. "He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." That the future stands here in direct connection with the present is not to be denied. The deeds of this life determine the eternal harvest. The man who sows to the flesh is he who "walks after the, flesh," who "minds the things of the flesh, who lives after the flesh," who "minds earthly things," who "fulfllls the desires of the flesh and of the mind," who "presents his members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness." Paul calls these things the works of the flesh and them in Gal. 5:19-21. "Now the of the flesh are manifest which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, envyings, murders, drunkenness, and such like: of the which I tell as I have also told you in time Past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Reaping In Sadness
Each one of us has the responsibility of the formation of his own character. Such as we make of ourselves in this life, we shall be forever. In our conduct, by our words, by the acts of our life day by day, we are building that character. Man);, Who know this, are by the works of the flesh building a character that will be fit only to inhabit hell in eternity. And sad as this is, it is sadder still to see them paving the way to that same end for those whom they love most in life. A husband or wife, or children who follow such a one will reap the same, for to this law there is no exception.
This reaping is terrible indeed. We can see a part of it while we live in this life, but this passage points to that which is beyond. It is then that the seed sown now will germinate into corruption. Those who have so sown will hear the Great Judge pronounce their doom, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." These, not being found named in the book of life, will be cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:15)
Happy Reaping
The sowing to the Spirit is the antithesis of sowing to the flesh. It simply means living with spiritual and immortal aims. The one who sows to the Spirit is he who "cleaves to that which is good," whose "life in the flesh is lived by faith in Christ," in whom "Christ dwells by faith," who "walks in love and puts it on," and who "keeps himself in the love of God." Paul also speaks of these things in Gal. 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law." He who practices such things lays up treasure in heaven because he lives unto God. This is a happy reaping. The harvest is eternal life. It is certain IF we sow to the Spirit.
Conclusion
Therefore, we ought to give due consideration to the importance of our present conduct. Of a truth, life is the "seed-time of eternity." Every minute of every hour we sow the seed which will later reappear with eternal fruits. Man cannot alter the law of God. When you put your hand into the fire you will be burned. When you engage in or follow the works of the flesh, you cannot escape the consequences.., except through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But for Him, that sin will cling to you forever. If you sow to the flesh, of the flesh you will reap corruption. If you sow to the Spirit, of the Spirit you shall reap life eternal. Be not deceived, for God is not mocked.
HOW ARE YOU SOWING?
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV; 35, pp. 12-14
July 16, 1970
