So we’re all familiar with the concept of sowing and harvesting, right? Or maybe you’ve heard the phrase “you reap what you sow”? Lets jump to Galatians 6 in the Bible real quick for a refresher:
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9 NLT)
The gist: Don’t get it twisted, God will always judge your actions. You get back whatever you put in.
Now, I grew up hearing people say “You reap what you sow,” but it’s just hitting me different this time. Probably because that phrase was often thrown at people when they did something inherently wicked. Accusers would threaten that their bad deeds would come back to haunt them. Which isn’t completely untrue, but let’s reframe this principle a bit. Whether the input/output is good, bad or so-so, the universal principle of “you reap what you sow” is always at play. Craig Groeschel said it this way:
When you put a certain type of seed in the ground, you get a harvest that corresponds with the seed you planted, every single time. True in agriculture and true in life.
Craig Groeschel (The Power to Change)
Naturally, this made me really check in on my own life; Dive deeper into the areas I’m having challenges or dissatisfaction. Asking myself what kind of thinking, actions, behaviors, allowances did I plant, that got me here.
I know it’s a bit harsh to hear, but sometimes what we may interpret as punishment, may just be the reality of our harvest. For instance, it’s stupid to be surprised about having an unhappy or joyless relationship, when we’ve sown seeds of discontentment, incessant worrying and fear. I know it’s harsh, but it’s stupid to expect financial freedom when we don’t commit to a budget/plan and spend recklessly. I know it’s harsh, but it’s stupid to expect promotion/raise when we’ve sown seeds of constant tardiness and half-hearted work. I know it’s harsh, but it’s stupid to expect full time entrepreneurship when we’ve sown seeds of laziness, constant distractions, lack of work ethic, show binging, and lack of plan.
I’m talking to myself here too, so don’t feel alone here. But the great thing about diving deeper, is we can find clarity and peace. Now, we also have to take accountability for the seeds we’ve sown. Thankfully, God walks beside us, offers forgiveness, reframes perspectives, challenges us, gives grace and direction. We just gotta be open and play an active role in setting things right.
If you don’t like what you’re reaping, change what you’re sowing.
If you don’t like the harvest, change the seed.
If you don’t like the outcome, change the habit.
Craig Groeschel (The Power to Change)
If this resonated and you or you want to chat more, leave a comment or message me!
And if you’re looking for a great read (or listen) that will challenge and uplift you, check out The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel (highly recommend)!
Lauren🧡
