As I think about the year ahead, I am reminded of the principle of sowing (planting) and reaping (harvesting) that God placed in His universe. Proverbs 11:18 says, “… he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” Proverbs 22:8 says, “He who sows wickedness reaps trouble.”
The apostle Paul reiterates this in his letter to the church in Galatia… “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what He sows.” (Galatians 6:7, NIV)
So, whether you sow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control OR hate, anger, impatience, unkindness, evil, unfaithfulness, contention or lack of self-control… the choice is yours. Remember, however, that what you plant in God’s universe does not just return one-for-one. In God’s plan, all things that are planted multiply! Do you want a crop of the good stuff or the bad stuff?
Just to be clear, this does not apply to the redemption of our souls and the life-giving restoration of our spirits because of the death and resurrection of Jesus! That, my friends, is unable to be earned! Jesus paid it all and nothing we do will change that fact. You either receive His Gift or you reject it. Rules and works have no place in the reality of God’s plan to redeem you and me!
However, once His principles and laws were set into motion, change was impossible, unless God Himself intervened! His best intervention was His own presence on earth, in the person of Jesus, to eternally resolve the problem of sin. Oh, we trip and fall, but Jesus blood, His righteousness and God’s grace have taken care of every sin you ever committed… as long as you’ve surrendered yourself to Him. Once done, your love for Him and your obedience to His Word, will allow you to “… walk worthy of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:1)
SO, make wise choices. Plant what you want to enjoy in your future. Begin to “plant” the fruits of the Spirit in 2011. After all, our Creator knows how He made us. If we follow His “Owner’s Manual,” we will find all the instruction we need to receive the blessings that He has in store for each of His children! His Word gives His direction for His creation! Will you follow His Book and be blessed, or ignore it and live a life that is far from your dreams?
Be wise. Sow the good things of God and reap His goodness. Start today!