We reap what we sow. Do not grow weary.

Today I listened to a sermon by Josh Harris entitled "Holiness is a Harvest." Wow. What a good reminder it was! While we never want to believe that our salvation comes by any of our own works, we also must never forget the value of sowing seeds of holiness. Of choosing to be obedient even when we don't see immediate results. And, when we get weary, of remembering the promise that, if we sow seeds of righteousness, we will reap a harvest of holiness. I couldn't more highly recommend this sermon! Some of the highlights:

Galatians 6:7-10, ESV
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he 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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

"To ‘sow to the flesh’ is to pander to it, to cosset, cuddle and stroke it, instead of crucifying it … Every time we allow our mind to harbour a grudge, nurse a grievance, entertain an impure fantasy, or wallow in self-pity, we are sowing to the flesh. Every time we linger in bad company whose insidious influence we know we cannot resist, every time we lie in bed when we ought to be up and praying, every time we read pornographic literature, every time we take a risk which strains our self-control, we are sowing, sowing, sowing to the flesh. Some Christians sow to the flesh every day and wonder why they do not reap holiness." -John Stott, quoted in the sermon.

What an important reminder! Even though the seeds we plant may seem small, they will grow!

This is a warning if the small seeds we plant are seeds of the flesh. One seed of a hurtful word spoken, or of entertaining one little thought that shouldn't be entertained, or of complaining or gossiping when in tempting company... they can all grow to reap a harvest of the flesh. Christian, be warned. Don't underestimate the growth these small seeds can have over time! And if are not a Christian, be equally warned: God will not take lightly a repeated rejection and ignoring of Him.

But the encouraging part is: This is a sweet promise if the small seeds we plant are seeds of holiness! "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Ever spend time in the Word and wonder if it accomplished anything in your heart? I have. Be comforted: it did accomplish something. Ever get discouraged that no one noticed that you chose obedience instead of sin when you were tempted? Ever feel like you're making no progress in a specific area of sin? Do not grow weary. There's a lot more happening than we can see. There are mountains on the ocean floor—we can't see them, but God is growing them.

Verse 8 of the passage above says: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Key word: will. It will happen. Believer, whenever the Word says something will happen, it's a promise. So, claim this promise, seek holiness, and do not grow weary and give up! "Do not doubt the promise of the Word of God. You will reap a harvest. If you are faithful, there will be a harvest of righteousness. Do not grow weary! Do not give up!" - Josh Harris. 

Let's trust Him, and be obedient in the next step. One step at a time.

one step at a time