PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Mar
15

Don’t Fool With God

John Tilton

Scripture

Galatians 6:7-10

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Observation

Paul is speaking such a basic truth that playing God is not a win. One may think that one is getting away with sin and a lack of obedience, yet, it’s not if, but when one will encounter the ramifications of one’s sin and disobedience. It’s often not perhaps as tangible as physical encounter or problem, but more importantly what takes place in the heart and with one’s conscience. That is the key in terms of how I see it, as we look for something to blind side us and turn our world upside down, yet, it can be more subtle and more destructive when reaping destruction is the destruction of our heart, moral gauge and compass.

Then there is God’s way of seeking to please the Spirit, that although there may not be an immediate and tangible result of blessings, if one can dwell on the peace that surpasses understanding, and here’s the key, being intentional and believing in the resulting good, then a sense of peace will often indeed indwell in us. Thus, in seeing how good results in the good done for others’ will bless them and bring them joy, then we can and will be blessed and also find joy.

Application

This is a definite word to get my attention. I often do unknowingly look for gain and success that will be noticeable or self-centered. It’s like that thing that the world says is the thing to have, or the thing to do, or the way to be; and thus, I seek to possess that thing. Yet, if I can remember that I will indeed reap what I sow, as my sowing the things of the world may not result in immediate repercussions, but I must remember that judgment will come … if not immediately, down the road or more so, a changing of my heart where I am not able to discern the subtleties of Godly choices in my life. This often takes place with justification, or no one see’s, no one knows, or worse off, I don’t really care. I believe that the principle of reaping what one has sowed is just as important in terms of what goes on in one’s mind and where no one see’s … in the shadows of life and in the impressionable space of our heart.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for getting my attention that I cannot play you, since you see all and know all. Therefore, please guide me and help me in being the person you call me to be in my mind, in my heart, in the shadows and in my thought life.


Devotions for March 15

Deuteronomy 28,29
Galatians 6

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