Galatians 6
Galatians 6:1-18
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 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.
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Both in what is done and what is seen to be unnecessary there is an opportunity to be in the flesh, to think that by doing or not doing something, there is somehow a higher level of righteous insight or understanding. In both cases, the point is missed, as the only thing that really matters is identification with Christ and His crucifixion. This identification cannot just be a private personal affair, though, as to be one with Him is to be joined together with the others that are there in Him. What we choose to do should reflect this in its effect of good on our fellow body members. These benevolent acts, though, are not just nice gestures but are the sowing of actions that will reap a harvest of blessings that will enable even greater shared goodness.
What a liberation we have from the dominance of depressing flesh dominance, from being bound in a self-focus. In Him, we’ve been born again into a nature of love that cares for and builds each other up. This sowing into the kingdom comes with great promise of reward in the heavenly provision of earthly blessings, but especially the treasures of an eternal harvest of souls.
I find it interesting that these two verses are connected. One after the other.
Galatians 6:8-9 AMPC
[8] For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
Sowing to the flesh takes no effort. No sacrifice. Nothing lost.(So we think) No real effort for us to sow that direction. Sowing into the spirit will sometimes require more effort, being intentional about what we chose and why. Both reap “something.” One reaps destruction. One reaps eternal life. It must require a dedicated effort, a committed heart, a longing desire to please the Lord. One that’s graced to do so. When we walk in the spirit, we are equipped and enabled to follow His plan for our lives. Effectively. Faithfully. With great rewards.
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