Kingdom Building
July 5, 2019
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-17
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. –Galatians 6:7-10
This is a well packed scripture within which I see three main points. The first is rather universal but one about which we often live in denial: we do reap what we sow no matter how many ways we try to get around it. When I am impatient with a process it usually takes me more time to accomplish it then would have been required had I taken my time and completed the tasks needed in the right order in the first place.
The second point, however, is one we may never even consider. When we strive to have a good working relationship with the Spirit of God, we always have a partner in our life experiences who gently or forcefully nudges us to the better way. I am in a motel room getting ready to take the next drive on a trip. My online maps show me the ways to get to my next destination. Going one way will get me there in one hour and 22 minutes going another way would take 55 more minutes. In this instance the longer time is associated with a longer distance but perhaps a more scenic route. My decision may be base on my goal. I have seen directions on this trip where the time factor relates to taking an interstate rather than state roads. While the distance is shorter on the state roads, I should get to my destination faster on the interstate. The Spirit assists in similar ways regarding life decisions. Sometimes it is really our choice and the Spirit helps us discern which is the better way. Sometimes the issue is a part of our calling as a follower of God and the Spirit is more assertive in nudging us to respond appropriately. And sometimes the action we are contemplating is just wrong, and the Spirit will let us know that also. I think Matthew 11:28-30 addresses this idea well: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
Finally, we are to do everything we do for the good of all not just our fellow faith partners. Indeed, the scripture does go on to say we are especially called to do good for our faith family, but it is not to the detriment of others.
Prayer: Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me; guide me, nudge me forward when I an hesitant to answer your call, and hold me back from doing anything that is counter to your way of love. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.