Sowing and Reaping

The Gospel of Grace

Seeking the Sacred

Books by Chad:

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Study Workbooks by Chad:

Archived Notes

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Sowing and Reaping

©Chad Sychtysz

Not all Christians share an equal measure of spiritual success. Some people’s spiritual lives are very rewarding and successful; they manifest a dynamic love for the Lord. Others act like defeated captives instead of victorious saints: they are haunted by the past, plagued with indecision, or always living in survival mode. What makes the difference between the two? It is not God’s fault, for He has no faults. We have control over who we are and what we are becoming; what is sown in our hearts dictates whether we will be spiritual giants or spiritual dwarfs.

Our dealings with others: In Gen 27 – 29, Jacob deceived Esau and Isaac, only to be deceived later by his uncle, Laban. Jacob’s deception is returned upon his own head—not by coincidence, but as a consequence of his own nature. The Bible supports the axiom “What goes around, comes around” or “You reap what you sow.” How we treat others may well determine how we are ultimately treated (Isa 33:1, Mt 26:52). In this way, our dealings with others may be prophetic of our own future; we may fulfill our self-made prophecies. This does not mean this must happen this way, but it does increase its likelihood. If we practice treachery, mistreatment of others, taking advantage of people, violence, or lies, it is likely we will be victims of these same things. God’s providence will not protect us from the wickedness of others if we choose to live wickedly. It is possible, then, that we can program ourselves for a negative future. Being spiritually weak or unstable may be a reflection of what is being practiced toward others. If we withhold good from others, God may withhold good from us, whether it be mercy (Jas 2:13), kindness (Rom 2:4), forgiveness (Mt 6:15), or the confession of Christ (Mt 10:33). However, treating others properly finds great favor with God, regardless if we are treated well in return. God does not want us merely to profess our faith, but to live it.

Watch what you say: In 2 Sam 12, the prophet Nathan gave a veiled illustration concerning King David’s sin with Bathsheba (and his murder of her husband). David responded by demanding that the villain of the story make a “fourfold” restitution for his crime. Consequently, David paid for his own sin with the loss of four of his own sons (his child with Bathsheba, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah). His own words became a curse against him; what he wished upon others was given to him instead. This is still possible: our “standard of measure”—what we wish upon others—may well be given to us instead (cf. Mt 7:2). Our “words”—not just the quality of them, but also their content—may come back upon us (cf. Mt 12:37). If we wish harm (or sickness, failure, injury, condemnation, etc.) upon others, we might receive the same. If our words will affect the hereafter, most certainly they will affect the here and now. Our “tongue” can alter the entire “course of our life”; no wonder we ought to watch our speech (Jas 3:6, 5:12). What we say about ourselves can be just as devastating as what we say about others: “Nobody cares about me”; “I will never be strong”; “I cannot overcome”; “God cannot help me”; “I don’t have time to serve God right now.” None of these statements are true in themselves, but these words might become our epitaph if we choose to live by them. What is sown in our heart is what our life becomes—whether it is for spiritual success or failure.

A life-changing conviction: Not only can bad words negatively affect our future, but also good words can positively shape it. The story of Ruth is a powerful story of this. Her firm conviction to choose the God of Naomi, her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:16-17), forever changed the course of Ruth’s future. Naomi thought God was punishing her by taking away all the men in her family (1:20); but through Ruth she found hope and redemption. Ruth won the heart of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband, and she became his wife; the child they had together kept alive the name of Naomi’s dead husband (as implied in 4:17). This child also became the grandfather of King David, and was included in the lineage of Christ (Mt 1:5-6). Although the effects may not be as obvious or dramatic, God will also bless us and secure for us a good future if we believe in the Lord and act on that conviction. No one who puts his confidence in God will be “disappointed” [lit., put to shame; have regret] (Rom 10:11-13). This provides a powerful incentive for us to trust in God: He cannot fail in His promises, even though others may fail us—and we may fail ourselves. This does not make all the struggles or problems in our lives disappear, but it does mean that we already know the outcome of our lives. If we live with Christ-like obedience, then we shall one day be where Christ is. Just as Ruth told Naomi (“your God will be my God”), so we commit to Christ: “Your Father shall be my Father.”

You are sowing seeds today for the future. If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap success; if you sow to the world, you will reap failure (Gal 5:25, 6:7-8). You should not be surprised to find your life turning out exactly as you planned it in your heart, whether for good or evil. If you fill your heart with prayer, and dwell upon the good things of God and the love of Christ, you ought to have no fear of what the future holds. Your attitude shapes your destiny.

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