You Reap What You Sow

Scripture: Proverbs 1 v 7:  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Galatians 6 v 7 - 8:  "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

The fear (respect for) the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. We should respect His instructions and comply with them, for those who shun them are called fools. If sinners entice you do not agree with them. If they put you under peer pressure to do evil stay away from them.  It is more beneficial to please Jesus than to fall into trouble pleasing people. 

If you know that what you are doing is hurting those who love and pray for you, seek help. Ask Jesus to show you how to resist these temptations. Separate yourself from those who call themselves friends but who oppose the righteous ways of Jesus. They mock our gracious Lord and use His mighty name as a curse word. They reject His salvation and want to impose their loose living upon you.

The Lord is not mocked. He knows who are His. If you are born again and still running with the crowd of sinners beware lest they drag you back into the world and you lose the blessings you have gained.  It happens so subtly that you don't notice the effect of ungodly people on the way you think and behave. Your conscience becomes seared like with a hot iron.  It loses its sensitivity and you justify the behaviour of your crowd as high spirits rather than sin.

You are walking with Jesus and therefore you must always show Him your best side.  This takes discipline and self-control, and an awareness of His presence.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by throwing caution to the wind and returning to the bad habits that lead to sorrow of heart. They may seem fun at the time but you will have to give an account to Him, which will distress you deeply.  Think of Peter denying Jesus three times and how ashamed he was to face Him, and think twice before you leap.

It is a privilege and honour to be part of the Lord's family. Don't be like Esau who threw away his birthright for a plate of stew. Rather let your obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ be an ornament of grace upon your head.  

There are many examples of disobedience in the Bible, and its consequences.  If you really want to see the long list of curses that come upon those who fail to obey Him, read Deuteronomy 28 v 15 - 68. 53 verses of serious situations that will come upon those who defy the Lord God Almighty.  Things like losing your wife to another man, or incurable sicknesses of long duration.

Yes, Jesus took all our sins upon us and by His grace we are forgiven, and expected to live holy, sin free lives.  If you continue in sin you become greedy like Esau who exchanged his privileged life for a meal.  We must appreciate our salvation and our Saviour with all our hearts, and thereby reap the rewards of obedience.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we have to learn obedience as it does not come naturally to us. Please help us to be willing to learn so that You will be pleased with us.  Let us not exchange wonderful fellowship with You for compromising friendship with the world. Forgive us if we have strayed from Your righteousness and set our feet back on Your path. In Jesus' name. Amen.