The definition of reaping means to get as a return, recompense or result of something. Sow means to scatter seed over the land for growth. When we think of the definition of sow and apply it to life, we have to ask ourselves what kind of seed are we scattering? Is it a good seed or a bad seed? If it's a good seed, what are we reaping? If it's a bad seed, what are we reaping? "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6: 7-8 Sowing can reap good or bad.
Each day there are many choices to be made. I've narrowed them down to three choices. The wrong choice, the right choice & no choice (remember failure to not make a choice can be a bad choice). It is obvious to me if we make a right choice, we should reap good. How do we explain it when we are reaping a world of heartache and trying to make good choices? We have to take into account we also reap the harvest of this thing called life from other sources as well. We have the privilege of reaping what God has done for us (John 3:16). On a good day, we may have the opportunity to reap what others might do for us. However, sometimes we also have to reap because of the wrong others have sown. The consequences of sin are far reaching and I am certain we have all had to suffer the results of another person's actions. We can't control others, but we can make a decision each day to focus on sowing good seed and stop sowing bad seed. In my quiet time this week, my heart was heavy as I thought of people I know who are currently reaping what I would call the results of bad seeds. We have all been there. I have felt the heartache of my bad decisions. When we see people who are scattering bad seeds, our human nature typically wants them to get what they deserve. However if you have ever truly seen someone reaping from the choices of their lives, it can be painful to watch. As a result of seeing the heartache and pain of God's word being played out in the life of someone making bad choices, I have come to a conclusion. We never need to seek vengeance on others for wrong doing. If you step away from your anger long enough to be reminded of this truth from God, you will know there is no need for vengeance. They will reap a far greater consequence than you can even try to instigate. "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble harvest it." Job 4:8 I also like the New Living Translation of that verse - "My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same." If you sow to evil you can't produce good. God won't allow it!
If you want a good harvest, you must sow good seeds. Everything on this earth produces after its kind. You can't sow seeds for peaches and get apples. This includes our actions - hate after its kind, love after its kind, anger after its kind, grace after its kind, etc. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6: 37-38 If you want to know what your coming harvest will be, recall in your mind what kind of seeds you have planted and think about the seeds you sow today.
Sow a thought, reap an act;
Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny
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