Monday, January 21, 2013

Sowing


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Attributed to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3549666222/

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.
Galatians 6:7-8

It used to take a long time to plant a field with two horses and a two-row planter.   Look at the small containers for seed.  He must have had to refill every other pass.  How did he keep the rows even?  Didn't the horses get tired?  Wasn't the sun hot?  What about water and food for him and his animals?  Look how far he has to go before he's done.  What if the seed didn't grow?  What if the farmer planted the wrong seed, for whatever reason?  Farmers have to trust that the weather will be good with enough rain and sun, that their equipment will work (horses count here), that the seed will germinate, that the weeds won't overtake the young plants, that the harvest will be plenty, that the prices for the product produced will pay the rent.  Farming is not for the weak. But when the planting and harvesting is over, the celebration begins.   We have a lot to learn from the farmers. 

Are we fair-weather Christians?  How have we been equipped for our task to serve?  Are we afraid to testify for Christ because we think our words will not be accepted?  Do we not trust the power of Christ to change hearts?  Do we not share Christ because we think our witness will be ineffective?  Do we not anticipate a harvest?  Christianity is not for the weak.   But we still have a job to do and when our life is over, the celebration begins.

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