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Sowing to the Spirit

7/8/2017

 
Note: To give Alan time to focus on his annual trip to Malawi, beginning this week we will publish articles either from our archives or from guest writers.  This week's article is from David Phillips who preaches in the Louisville, Kentucky area.
Introduction. There are two forces that motivate the decisions we make in this life; two courses we can choose to walk -- our flesh and our spirit. The Holy Spirit revealed the virtue of applying energy and effort into developing the motivation to walk the course we want to prevail as we navigate this life.
  • “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:7-10
In sowing we apply time, energy and resources in the hope that we will gain something in the future. The sower gives up his seed to the ground in faith that it will produce an abundant crop in the future. He sows or plants and does not see the benefits immediately, but must show patience until the fruit of what he has sown has ripened (James 5:7). Sowing involves sacrifices and effort. “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5). One thing that the sower knows very well is that the quality of the seed he uses ultimately determines the quality and nature of the fruit he hopes to reap. Bad seed will result in a bad crop and good seed, a good crop.

God created the heavens and the earth with these laws in place. It is no wonder that the same holds true in our spiritual lives as well. In every decision we make, we constantly sow (invest) our time, energy and resources. We are either sowing to the flesh in earthly, temporal and corruptible pursuits, or to the spirit. If we choose to live only for this life, then we will have nothing with God when this life ends. “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Lk. 12:21).
This is why the exhortation must ring ever true in our hearts, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal. 6:7-8). How does one live in a physical world with a physical body and physical needs and still “sow to the spirit”? How do we become “rich toward God”?
Paul enlightens us further, “Let him who is taught, share with him who teaches.” Continuing this thought, he says, “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The picture Paul paints is that of being generous and constant in doing good. Not for personal gain, but because it is right … because it manifests the love of God. Using the energy and resources granted to us by God in doing good to those who have need manifests a spirit that is not concerned about personal interests alone. Just as God made a great sacrifice for the benefit of the world, when we make sacrifices for the benefit of others in a godly way, we are manifesting those same spiritual characteristics.
Consider Paul’s exhortation to the rich in 1 Tim 6:17-19: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” To be rich is not a sin. Neither is a rich man expected to sell all that he has. The point is to not trust in one’s riches, but to use the resources God blessed us with to honor Him and emulate His spiritual qualities of love, grace and mercy.

To trust in riches is to focus on the physical. Like the rich fool of Luke 12:21, those who trust in riches are not concerned with using what God has blessed them with to do God’s will. In contrast, if we have this world’s goods, then we should strive to “do good, ... be rich in good works, ready to give…storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come…”  “Storing up for themselves” is the result of previous sowing. Though our energy is used in a physical way (doing good), our aim, our hope, and our emphasis is to be like God, gracious and benevolent, in the hope of dwelling with God when this life is over. We are trusting in God by doing His will with what He has given us.

Conclusion. As we enjoy all the good pleasures this life has to offer, we set our sights on certain goals. These objectives and pursuits have been greatly enhanced by the advancements in technology. Yet these new innovations can also change the quality and direction of our lives. We must never forget to take the time to consider how we live and the fruits of our pursuits. Let us resolve to make God’s will our priority. Let us resolve to sow to the spirit so that the fruit we bear may be that eternal fruit which will never fail, and seek to be rich toward God. ​

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    Alan Hitchen

    Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career.  He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa.

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