Galatians 6:7-9 – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”  NASB

In Chapter 5:17-25 there is a description of the works of the flesh contrasted to the fruit of the Spirit.  The contrast is between rottenness and perfect soundness, between the basest and the best.  The works of the flesh are separate individual acts. The fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit are all of one but manifold in expression. 

Here the apostle speaks about sowing and to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit.  In this, there are several things that must be observed and considered.

THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING – Is an Unalterable Law.

The law is, “whatsoever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (v.7). 

The Seed is a vital consideration.  Without the seed, there is no harvest.  The harvest, although guaranteed, will not be according to how much we know, but how much we sow.  We could have a large cache of seed in the barn of the mind (knowledge), but unless that is planted it will provide no benefit in the time of harvest.  The seeds of thought are sown in words and deeds.  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:23 that the Word of God is the incorruptible seed and it always brings forth after its kind.

The Soil is important.  There are basically two classifications of soil, the Flesh, and the Spirit.  Sowing to the flesh is sowing rotten seed in corrupted soil.  Nothing of value is produced and the only possible harvest is corruption.  We sow to the flesh when we sow to our carnal self-pleasing worldly lives.  There is nothing in this process to honor God, therefore it will rot like a lifeless carcass and the harvest is of no value. I

In Contrast, when sowing to the Spirit we sow according to the revealed will of God in the good soil of a committed heart.  We produce the Fruit of the Spirit and bring honor to God and draw others to His light, life, and have a good harvest.  The good seed sown in good soil produces a good harvest.

THERE IS A NEEDED SOLEMN REMINDER – “be not deceived, God is not mocked.” (v.7)

The Bible informs that no one can gather ‘grapes from thorn bushes’ or ‘figs from thistles.’  Likewise, we do not produce the fruit of the Spirit through the works of the Flesh.  The flesh is corrupt and sinful and cannot bring forth good fruit.  The Spirit is good and cannot bring forth corrupt fruit.  (Matthew 7:17-18).

The revelation of Scripture that “by their fruits, you shall know them” is important.  It indicates some possibilities that are to be avoided and some actions that are to be pursued in producing the harvest. 

The warning is “be not deceived,” must be remembered. It is easy to deceive ourselves through false expectations, trusting appearance and the senses.  If we are led by our feelings, we are prime candidates for deception.  Our guidance must be the Word of God not what we think, feel, want, desire, or crave.  We deceive ourselves when we adopt the mentality that it doesn’t matter what we sow if we are well-meaning in what we do.  It would be nice for the farmer if good intentions were all that mattered in harvesting the desired crop.  The self-life will never produce the fruit of the Spirit.

The warning “God is not mocked” is needed.  God will not be silenced or put to shame by man’s indifference and unbelief of His eternal law.  That Law is “Spiritual things can never be produced by sowing carnal things.”  The unregenerate man cannot bring forth the fruit of the new creation.  The flesh and the Spirit are as different as night and day and death and life.  The person outside of Christ sows to the flesh and reaps corruption.  The Child of God sows to the Spirit and reaps everlasting life. (v.8).

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT – “Be not weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap if we do not faint, give up or quit.”  (v.9).

Each of us need comfort, consolation, and encouragement as we face the trying days of life.  In many ways, although harvest time has not fully begun, we are gathering the first fruits. In this harvest of the Spirit, our personal character is enriched, and we are able to produce the Fruit of the Spirit and impact others for God and good.  Tragically, some weary themselves looking for the fruit of their labors and grow discouraged when the fruit is not in the time, quantity, or quality desired.

The remedy is to keep our eyes on the prize and seek more earnestly the Fruit of the Spirit so what we sow more and more to the Spirit rather than the flesh.  It is important to remember, there will be a harvest!  We will reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow but reap we will.  We will either reap everlasting life or eternal corruption.  Whatsoever a man sows, that will he reap!

God bless you as you begin planning your harvest and planting good seed in good ground and sow the Spirit. 

Have a great day!