What We Plant
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10
Insight
The light and the dark. It’s the epic struggle we’ve seen depicted in our stories since the beginning of time. The hero of light struggles against the villain of darkness. We love these stories because they seem to reflect our world. They reflect our desire that the light will win out over the darkness. But what if the tension between light and dark isn’t just a struggle happening out there? What if it’s going on in our hearts?
God says that it is. Even crazier, He says that we have a role to play in the battle. We get to choose which side we’re going to sow into our lives. Jesus is inviting us to sow the light, and our decision to do so might make the difference between living life to the fullest and missing out on it. To live a full life, we must confront the dark side.
Darkness needs isolation to thrive. We separate ourselves from not only the life and love of God but also the people He has placed around us. Sin loves the darkness. It requires an element of isolation to pursue the lusts that we desire.
The reason for this is straightforward. Darkness requires one to forsake wisdom. Instead, we take on a posture of hiding, isolation, indifference, and even hostility towards the truth. Choosing the dark side pushes us to be defensive and use deceit to justify our behavior. It clouds our judgment and makes us believe we are entitled to the desires we are trying to fulfill.
Don’t be deceived. Everyone is vulnerable to the allure of darkness. No one is immune to the dark side. Falling away from God and losing sight of the vibrant life He promises happens through a series of bad choices. Today matters, right now matters, and your next decision matters. What we plant is what we harvest. What we sow today, we reap tomorrow.
We have a responsibility for what we plant, and this is why we need to consider what we are sowing. It is impossible to live life to the fullest when making dark side decisions. We mock God by doing one thing and expecting different results. We are foolish if we believe we can plant dark seeds and hope to get light in return.
When we are tempted and are struggling, we should press into the truth and pursue wisdom. It’s not enough to be available; we must fight for freedom. Rather than hiding, we lean on our community of friends who are helping us in our walk. Sharing the struggle lightens the load. It is in isolation that our unchecked desires run free. Wisdom brings the necessary boundaries to ensure that the freedom of our souls remains protected. It also provides perspective. One doesn’t get into a mess overnight which means one doesn’t get out of it overnight.
There comes a point when we must stop hiding and pretending. “Receiving Christ” is not some compartmentalized decision. Rather than being a point in time, it is an ongoing response, which requires coming into the light. It involves being exposed and vulnerable. This can only occur if we are willing to break the silence and be honest about our sins. The invitation is to bring it to Christ to be exposed and forgiven. Why? So our lives will serve as an expression of God.
Reflection
Where are you planting the wrong seeds? What different seeds do you need to start growing?
Prayer
God, let me not lose sight of the battle taking place inside me. Help me realize that I can choose to stand freely in the light or isolate myself in the darkness with every decision I make. I desire to make choices that bring You glory. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.