We Reap What We Sow

Gal 6:7-8 says it nicely: 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.

We often just don't pay attention to it enough or believe it enough.

We doubt this when we see someone appear to get away with murder through a loophole in the legal system. We doubt this when we the rich, famous, and powerful appear to do whatever suits them without consequence. We doubt this when punishment for evil does not come swiftly.

We doubt this when good people experience unimaginable suffering. We doubt this when those with a heart of gold barely scrape by with severely limited income. We doubt this when reward for good does not come quickly.

We doubt because we are limited beings and cannot see inside people's minds and hearts. We cannot see the full chain of cause and effect that happens because of someone's actions. We cannot see into the future of anyone's life on this earth, nor can we see beyond this life.

However, we have only to look into our own lives to see how this principle is true.

How often have we wronged someone else without any retaliation on his/her part, or without any guilt/shame on our part? And if we think we actually have been able to wrong someone without any noticeable negative effect, did we move a little more down a bad path? Were we able to wrong someone much more easily the next time? And the next?

How often have we helped someone else with no outward motivation without feeling greater joy for having done so, or without having him/her later do something in return? And if we think we actually have been able to help someone without any noticeable positive effect, did we move a little more down a good path? Were we able to help someone much more easily the next time? And the next?

Never be fooled by appearances; they ARE deceiving. We will ALWAYS reap what we sow, whether it is only a tiny effect felt in this life for some evil act or good deed, eternal punishment for rejecting God, or eternal life for our faith in Him.