Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Gal 6:7-10)In our freedom, not to do what we want, but to "through love serve one another," we are warned that God is not mocked. Sounds a lot like "The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom" (Psa 111:10; Prov 9:10). God is not mocked. So ... fear. What does this fear drive us to do? Remember, we sow what we reap. And because we reap what we sow, don't grow weary. That's what it means to be free to serve one another in love
"So then ..." he says. That is, on the basis of not growing weary in doing good, "let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith" (Gal 6:10). Do good to all people. Believers, unbelievers, neighbors, family, enemies, that rotten sinner over there -- all. You do see the emphasis, though, don't you? "All men" is all-inclusive, but there is a special emphasis on "those who are of the household of faith." Believers. How are you doing? We're supposed to be free to serve one another in love. We're supposed to walk in the Spirit. We're supposed to not grow weary in doing good ... to all. How's that working for you?
2 comments:
Should be a warning for those that feel that they are doing too much for others. Don't grow weary in doing good for others, because it has been promised to be rewarded in the end.
It is human nature to desire and expect results from our efforts; we wish to reap what we sow and to do so without waiting too long for it (this would go back all the way to Adam, the first gardener). We especially expect fruit when we are engaging in Spirit-led good works in compliance with God’s will--yet weariness rises all too swiftly. Even though the Holy Spirit gives me patience (Gal. 5:22), those endeavors that progress more slowly than I wish can be discouraging. I may not see the fruit of some good works I have undertaken before my life ends, but I must trust that that “due season” is coming. One guaranteed fruit I can celebrate without waiting is my choice to not “sow to the flesh”--and thus reap corruption--but “to the Spirit”--reaping everlasting life (Gal. 6:8, Rom. 2:6-7).
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