You Get What You Give

You Get What You Give
Galatians 6:7-18

There is a universal rule in the botanical world that says that if you plant a certain kind of seed, then the plant that you will eventually see is the kind of plant that is produced by that kind of seed. For example, if you plant grass seed in adequate growing conditions, then you will eventually see blades of grass growing where you have planted the seed. Likewise, if you plant vegetable seeds such as tomatoes, beans, and corn, eventually you will see those kinds of plants begin to sprout. It is a basic fact of life, that if you plant a certain kind of seed, that eventually you will see the kind of plant that is produced by that seed.

The Apostle Paul acknowledges this fact when he writes to the people in Galatia and says that each one of them will harvest what they plant, that they will reap what they sow. He says that they need to be careful that they are not fooled, or misled. And he applies this principle to the way they live their lives. He says that if they plant, or live, a self-centered life that they will harvest the produce of that kind of life. But that if they live a life that is pleasing to God, that they will produce a full life that will lead to eternal life.

The basic message is that we harvest what we plant, we reap what we sow, and, that we get what we give. The reason that Paul reminds his readers, and us, of this message is that it can be easy to get tired of doing the right things. It can be difficult to see the benefits of doing good, because it is not always easy to see the reward for doing good. And when we don’t see the benefits, we can begin to wonder whether it is worth our effort. We may be tempted to live only to please ourselves, rather than being the servants that God calls us to be. Paul reminds us that even though we may not see the results of our efforts right away, that a time will come when we will be rewarded for being faithful and doing the right thing.

The intent of the message is to encourage everyone to do good works. Sometimes it can be a challenge to do good. But if we remember to look forward for inspiration, and remember that God rewards those who are faithful, then we can focus ourselves on doing what is right and good. It can seem easier to live selfishly, always doing what we want, and ignoring the needs of others around us. But the result of living that way is a worthless and wasted life. On the other hand, if we live our lives in response to God’s love and grace, realizing that all of life is a wonderful gift from God, then we will always make an effort to do good. Then we can know that God is pleased with our effort, and our good works.

Paul encourages all of us to keep the faith. So, let’s not fail to do good, or get tired of doing the right thing. Because what we plant is what we harvest, and what we give is what we get.