Sowing and reaping are principles we live with daily. Seed produces after its own kind. (Gen. 1:11,12) When the farmer sows wheat, or plants cotton, he knows what to expect. This principle is stated in regard to the use of the tongue. “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” (James 3:11,12) Jesus taught, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things.”(Matt. 12:35)
Those who break the law, harm their bodies, and sin against God must suffer the consequences sooner or later. Thieves and murderers finally get caught. Those who give their bodies over to the use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or any other substance abuse open their bodies to serious diseases. Reckless drivers have accidents; homosexuals get aids; adulterers are divorced. All do not, of course, but many do. “What goes around comes around.” Those who sow to the wind many times reap the whirlwind… (Hosea 8:7) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to the 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)
When we forsake the assemblies of the church, we should not be surprised when worship, Bible study, prayer, giving, the Lord’s Supper, etc. become less important to us. Spiritual death often follows. “We just got out of the habit of going,” someone says. “I haven’t quit serving the Lord; I just don’t go to church like I should.” Well, if such a person did decide to quit serving the Lord, what would he do differently? Can one forsake the body of Christ and still remain faithful to Christ.
Parents must ever be reminded of the principle of sowing and reaping. Of course, every person who chooses of his own will to leave the church is not the product of unfaithful parents. Children brought up in evil homes can later choose to be righteous; so can the children of spiritual homes decide later to leave the Lord. “Everyone of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:12) However, parents who fail both to teach and live faithfully before their children will one day reap what they have sown. Young people are warned about the sowing and reaping principle. “Be not deceived. Evil companionships corrupt good mor-als.”(I Cor, 15:33) Peer pressure is great among young people. May we all, young and old, be dedicated and disciplined as we live for Christ. When we do, we shall reap happiness here, and in the end have eternal life.
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