“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
From the time we are children, we understand that there is often a distinction between the “easy way” and the “right way.” We can clean our rooms, or shove everything under the bed. We can own up to breaking the lamp, or hide the damage and pass off the blame. We can be honest and accept the consequences of our actions – good or bad – or lie.
This deceit is an unfortunate part of our natural, fallen, current human state, and the choices we make only become more complicated over time. And, of course, the consequences grow as well. Cheating on a college exam will earn a harsher penalty than failing to clean a childhood bedroom, and cheating on a spouse will come with even more dire consequences.
But what do we do when we see people who seem to be thriving by indulging in the very deceitful behaviors we labor against?
This is the question Paul addresses in Galatians, and his prescription is surprising in its simplicity: remember the prize.
Though the “easy way” may seem appealing for a moment, the end result is always some type of destruction. But the way of the Spirit leads to eternal life!
Believer, if you are weary today, if it feels like you are fighting a losing battle against sin, remember the prize Jesus won for you in his ultimate victory. Someday, you will stand before him and bathe in the renewing light of eternal life. This is his promise to us. Meditate on this hope, and let it give you strength for today.
Love it Joe!