Reaping What We Sow

(Galatians 6:7-8)

Mike Johnson

Near the end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, in a section of practical applications, Paul warned, “(7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal.  6:7-8).

The people Paul wrote to were part of an agrarian society.  They would undoubtedly understand the principles of these verses from agriculture.  If a farmer plants peas, for example, he will get a crop of peas, not corn.  Likewise, a person who sows okra should not expect to get tomatoes.  One does not have to be a farmer to understand this concept –– even a child quickly comprehends it.  God Himself stated this universal principle of sowing and reaping in the very beginning (Gen. 1:11, 12, and 29).  Paul’s application of this rule has some vital lessons for us today.

The Bible uses the word “sow” figuratively in various ways.  For example, it refers to spreading God’s Word as in the Parable of the Sower (Lk. 8:3-9).  Negatively, it speaks of one who “sows discord” (Prov. 6:14, 19).  In our text, it represents deeds done in our lives.

Further, the text speaks of a person “sowing to his flesh.”  Although the word “flesh” is used to refer to the literal body (Mt. 26:41) or relatives (Rom.  9:1-3), here it is speaking of the sinful desires of the flesh.  Earlier, (Gal. 5:19-21) speaks of the works of the flesh (e.g., murder, envy, idolatry, adultery).”  Romans 8:5a tells us, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh . . . .”

On the other hand, the verses speak of those who “sow to the Spirit.”  These “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25),” they are “led by the Spirit,” and “live according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5b Gal. 5:25).  Such people follow the teaching of the Holy Spirit found in God’s Word.

Today, everyone sows to either the flesh or the Spirit — if we live, we sow.  A person may say, “I’ll choose the flesh because then I can drink, commit fornication, curse, and hate.”  However, before people make a choice, they should consider their decision’s consequences.

Our text tells us that those who sow to the Spirit will reap “everlasting life.”  Heaven, a place of joy, rest, and peace, will be their eternal reward (Mt. 25:46, Rom. 2:6a).  In contrast, those who sow to the flesh shall reap “corruption.”  The writer is not speaking of the body decaying, as that happens regardless.  Instead, he indicates that these will be lost eternally.  Their eternal destination will be the opposite of the everlasting life for those who sow to the Spirit.  According to the previous chapter (5:21), those pursuing the flesh “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  Romans 8:6 states, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Returning to the first part of verse 7, Paul tells us not to be deceived and that “God is not mocked.”  What does he mean by this statement?  People around the world mock God every day.  As you read this, someone living close to you probably mocks God.  How would people mock God in this context?  They successfully mock God if the opposite of what these verses say happens.  If a person sows to the flesh and receives “everlasting life,” God is mocked.  But that is not going to happen.  Thus, if people sow to the flesh, no matter what they may think or say, they will reap corruption.  We cannot mock God; we will reap what we sow!