We … well many of us, put a positive spin on the teaching on sowing and reaping. It is positive. When we read in John (15) about abiding in the vine that we reap a fruitfulness. We also learn that apart from abiding we can’t achieve the fruitfulness… we are told that apart from abiding in Jesus we can do nothing. For me, doing nothing is never an option though my behavior doesn’t always follow through on this principle.
When you look at the following 3 scriptures, we begin to see what sowing and reaping means – the influence and effects. This begins with the admonition to ‘Keep your heart’ – your responsibility (Proverbs 4:23). This is further explained in verses 24-27
“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues
of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Put away from a deceitful mouth… Put perverse lips far from you.(24)
Let your eyes look straight ahead… (25) Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established. (26) Do not turn to the right or
the left; Remove your foot from evil.” (27)
“For every tree is known by its own fruit…(Luke 6:44) A good man out
of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good… For out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (45)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, For whatever a man sows,
that he will reap…” (Galatians 6:7)
For whatever is sown, will be reaped! Not just the good, but the bad as well.
I was once asked if I believed that if what we did was truly unintentional and we quickly repented and did those acts representative of repentance, that we wouldn’t reap the negative? Honestly, I’d love to believe that but I really don’t know. Perhaps the reaping is less severe but that is never ours to determine. Since sowing and repeating is a law, we can’t ignore the repercussions and ramifications from our actions or expect them to simply fade. However, if the reaping is based in the other’s revenge – I’d like to think it wouldn’t be as severe. The point really is our responsibility to be intentionally alert and follow what Proverbs tells us.
Simultaneously to being alert is not to become fearful or obsessive about making ‘mistakes’. Just as sowing and repeating is a law, I tend to believe that making mistakes is also a law. Mistakes happen. It’s the intent of the heart that should be of concern (Proverbs 4:23). Luke 6:45 and Matthew 15:18 tell us that from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Do you listen to yourself and understand what you are saying comes from your heart? Do your words bless or curse others? James (3:10) points out that the mouth speaks what’s in our hearts. Do your words speak blessings from a heart of love? If so, then you will reap the same.
