I once heard about a contractor who asked his worker to build the next house for their company. The contractor wanted the worker to oversee the entire project. This was the first house the worker had ever built completely on his own. He decided to use second rate materials, cut corners, and pocket the money saved. Who would know? The worker used the cheapest materials possible and when finished called the contractor. The contractor inspected the work and said, “Thank you for your dedication and hard work for this company all these years. I put you in charge of this house because I want to give it to you in appreciation for all you’ve done for our company.” 

You reap what you sow. There are consequences for your decisions – good and bad. There are reactions to your actions. Galatians 6:7-8 says, “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.” You cannot fool God with your actions. He sees everything and rewards accordingly. You get back what you put into something. Hard work pays off. Today, it seems, few take pride in their work. A good work ethic not only works hard but does the best job possible because they know their work speaks long after they have clocked out and gone home. If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time because the quality of your work represents your reputation. Would you want to live in what you built for someone else? Would you want to eat the food you prepared for another? Would you want someone else to treat you the way you are treating them? 

2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” The context of this verse is giving but can be applied to just about anything. What you invest you earn. If you invest nothing then that is your return. If you invest much then your return will be proportionate to that. Those who invest nothing towards retirement will be met with nothing when they retire. Those who save and invest wisely will have funds when they retire. 

When it comes to character – you reap what you sow. If you sow criticism you will reap it. If you desire to be loved, then give love. If you want respect, give respect. If you want friends, be friendly. When a farmer wants crops he doesn’t keep the seeds in the barn – he gives them away to the barren soil in faith knowing they will produce a harvest. You reap what you sow. You can’t get corn from tomato seeds just like you can’t get love from hate. Put in what you want back. Ask yourself this question: do I like the fruit I am producing? What are you investing into your marriage, kids, and relationship with Jesus? If the crop is disappointing or unfruitful you must change what you’re planting. Ask God to help you sow to please the Spirit and not to please your flesh. I pray you reap a bountiful harvest as you sow in the Spirit.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.