Jan.16: SOWING SEEDS OF PAIN AND DESPAIR

Here is the principle clearly presented by Paul in Galatians 6:7 (NIV) "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Jesus stated this truth over and over in various ways. When most folks read Jesus saying it they jump immediately to the end of life and see it in terms of the Final Judgement Day. While that interpretation is certainly legitimate both Paul and Jesus are concerned about our actions in the "here and now" and not just "Payday Someday." While parents warn their children about the serious consequences of their actions the parents themselves are often guilty also of not thinking about the fruit of their words or actions.
When I was a teenager, and not yet listening seriously to parental instruction,my Mother would quote this verse to me before I went on a date: "You may be sure that your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23 NIV) Shall I remind us all of Physicians who warned us that smoking would lead to lung cancer, that drinking alcohol would lead to cirrhosis of the liver, that fat meat would lead to clogged arteries? So many physical pains of today we ourselves sowed years ago.
More emotional perhaps are marriages destroyed by jealous seeds, friendships destroyed by anger's seeds, families destroyed by envy, engagements ended because a seed of doubt was sown. The rush to immediate gratification by couples jumping into bed together (playing marriage) and not accepting the fact that 85% of those marriages will end in divorce. Couples hurrying to the Marriage Chapel explaining there is no time for Pre-Marital Counseling. Physical attraction is not enough when the Bible warns "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." (2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV) Likewise, if you keep rejecting Jesus controlling your life today you are sowing seeds of pain and self-destruction. Break the habit of taking chances with your future! Just what are you sowing?

"Father, how did I ever convince myself that I was like "teflon" and none of these laws of 'sowing
and reaping' would ever affect me? Is this a wake-up call from You? If so, thanks! Amen"