Reaping What We Sow, or Consequences Of Our Life
Galatians 6:1-10
Galatians 6:1-10 1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For every man shall bear his own burden. 6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
There are a lot of relatively "true" statements that we grow up with in life. I am sure some of them disappear over time and may even reappear. Lets look at a few of them this morning - I know there are many more I could have used.
Everything that glitters is not gold.
For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
There are two sure things in life - death and taxes. - the Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27
You are what you eat.
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
What goes up must come down.
You made your bed, now lie in it.
What goes around comes around.
The coconuts don't fall far from the tree.
He is a chip off the old block.
Boys will be boys.
You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar.
There are many sayings of these type that can even be found in God's Word, especially in the Book of Proverbs Let me share some with you. First, some that I like from what is called The Message, a contemporary version…
Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.
Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander.
The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.
The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless.
The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you’re lost for good.
You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.
Proverbs are timeless, listen to more from the King James, Proverbs 11…
13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.25
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.29
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Okay, enough of those - there are more than we have time to look at this summer.
I want to look at how consequences affect our lives and those around us.
First…
How and why we treat people has consequences
Rudeness brings rudeness
Hatefulness drives people away
Selfishness causes bitterness
Grouchiness brings distance and avoidance
Contention brings strife (honk your horn)
Honesty opens ears
Kindness brings smiles
A smile brightens other's day
Treating others as we would be treated brings rewards (not talking about money)
How and why we treat people has great consequences
Next…
How and when we train/tend family has consequences
Love fills a void that hate can grab if we wait
Caring for our own lets them know they are special to us
Honesty shown will be honesty carried on
Craftiness seen in our children's eyes becomes a trait that never dies
Deceit has a way of haunting our lives, it is worse if we pass it on
Godliness with contentment is great gain
Righteousness in our lives can infiltrate our children's
Control shown and practiced by us builds in our children's lives
Everything we do affects not only ourselves but also those around us - especially our children and family
How and when we train/tend family has long lasting consequences
Also…
How and for what we take hold of for self has consequences
Eat too much our clothes shrink in the closet (at least mine do)
Exercise too little, we get soft, weak and unhealthy
Sleep too little our health diminishes
Pay little attention to nutrition our bodies get sick
Fill our mind with bad things like porn, smut, hatred, etc. we become and think evil things
Fill our minds with God's Word, worship, and serving Him, we grow spiritually and enjoy a better life here and in eternity
Fill our lives with worship, serving God then we can be building something eternal in our lives that will pass on to our loved ones
How and for what we take hold of for self has every day serious consequences
And, last…
How and where we trust God has consequences
Worshipping God in our duty, but also our blessing
Praising Him never makes us feel bad
Serving Him is part of our legacy
Reaching for holiness is pleasing to Him and helpful to us
Prayers spent talking to Him are a balm for our soul
Acknowledging Him in this life is important
And…
Asking His Son Jesus to forgive us our sins and enter our lives and walk with us brings eternal life with Him - there is no greater consequence than that.
There is one just as consequential in a negative way…
To reject Him is to refuse Him and to be forever separated from Him and His love for all eternity. That is consequence!
How and where we trust God has monumental and eternal consequences
Let us again consider His Word…
God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 061205am