April 2 – Avoiding Wastelands (Galatians 5:16-26; 6:7-8)

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7)

IN WORD:
What would you say if someone offered to sell you a piece of beach property at a seemingly affordable price? Sounds good, doesn’t it? But what if the property was a wasteland — the site of toxic dumping, the end of a sewage line, or used for some other objectionable purpose? The prospect of owning it would be unappealing to say the least. Why? Because there is no value in such a investment.
That image is an accurate picture of a choice we must all make. We can either live in the Spirit or live in the flesh. If we sow the seeds of the flesh, we are investing in worthless land. It won’t last. It can’t be developed. It will leave us with nothing in the end; the sinful nature is destined for destruction.
When we think of sowing to please our sinful nature, as Paul says (v. 8), we immediately think of overt, fleshly sins: sexual immorality, substance abuse, greed, etc. But we rarely consider the more subtle seeds of our sinful nature. If we sow seeds of self-effort, we will reap its rewards: a few accolades, perhaps, but nothing lasting. If we sow seeds of self-righteousness, we end up with self-righteousness which cannot stand before God. If we sow seeds of self-sufficiency, we reap only what we can provide for ourselves; and it is never enough. Living in the power of the flesh is perpetual futility. It accomplishes nothing eternal.

IN DEED:
One of the great mysteries of sin and self is why we invest in them. Like the beachfront, the investment may have natural appeal. But a self-directed life is deceitful. It promises us success but delivers nothing that lasts. Even its noblest works are corrupt. What a disastrous investment! When we buy bad merchandise, we get — well, bad merchandise. When we cultivate the flesh, we get the flesh.
Sow eternal seeds. Live by the power of the Spirit. Be forever joined to the plan, the purposes, and the Person of the incorruptible God. And enjoy reaping what you’ve sown.

“We share in the divine nature through our sharing of the Spirit.” -Athanasius-