“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV
I am processing the news that we are being asked to “stay in place” another 30 days. I am an introvert by nature and seclusion is not normally a personal hardship for me, but the realization of a month in confinement is making me claustrophobic as I think about it. I know, there are things I can do that will stretch my legs and move about, but I have that “caged animal” feeling going on inside of me right now. That said, I am a part of a nation that is going through a pandemic. I understand that this virus is simply inconvenient for many, but a death sentence for some. I am continually reminding myself that Christ asks me to prefer my neighbor, live selflessly, and as Paul said, “do good”. For in doing good and practicing endurance, this season will change, and a harvest will be reaped.
That phrase, “do good” has captured my attention today. I suspect it is linked to Paul’s reminder to “sow to the Spirit” (v.8). In fact, I have come to the conclusion that “doing good” and “sowing to the Spirit” are synonymous phrases. Anytime I “do good” (as God defines good) it is analogous to “sowing seed” which will eventually and unalterably produce a harvest of similar happenings in my own life. Some have called it the law of reciprocity. Personally, I believe it is a law cemented into the fabric of creation. Most people hijack the Hindu term, ‘karma”, without realizing the full extent of its meaning, but the illustration is noteworthy because most people, Christian or not, believe that actions have some sense of repercussion. You know the old phrase, “What goes around, comes around”. It’s an old phrase for a reason.
Paul will go so far to say, “…for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (v.7). Good or bad, whatever we “do”, will act as a seed in the ground which will reap a harvest for us in the end. Hence, his exhortation to be relentless in “doing good”. There is a harvest coming to all of us based on the seed we have sown. The word, “whatever”, signifies that whether it be righteous seed or unrighteous seed, there will be a day of harvest reckoning. If I have sown mercy, I shall reap mercy. If I have sown generosity, I shall reap generosity. However, if I have sown judgment, I shall reap judgment. If I have sown stinginess, I shall reap stinginess. (If you are reading my thoughts, I know you get the picture) The key is: WHATEVER I sow…I reap.
Perhaps a possibility in this pandemic season is the notion that I am in a “sowing” moment. Instead of sitting around bemoaning the “stay in place” orders, perhaps I can spend my time strategizing how I can sow (to the Spirit) some righteous seed in the ground (do good). Seed isn’t necessarily money (although money is certainly not exempt), but rather random acts of kindness. Are there people you could send a note of gratitude or appreciation? Perhaps sowing that seed would reap you a note of gratitude. Are there people you need to forgive? Perhaps forgiveness would flow your direction. Is there someone who might need a friend? Perhaps your friendship pool would increase if you sowed that action (Proverbs 18:24). What seed will I intentionally sow (because I have unintentionally sowed hundreds of others) and not grow weary AND anticipate a harvest?
I am listening to politicians and media prognostic everything from recession to another Great Depression…
I am listening to people predict the dismal state of the future…
I am watching people hoard toilet paper and wipes…
We are SOWING folks…
What will I sow?
I purpose to sow to the Spirit…
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