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.
Galatians 6:7-10
Paul is moving to the thrill-packed conclusion of his letter, pointing out that God cannot be mocked. In saying this, it is important for us to note that he is speaking in a specific context of flesh vs. Spirit. His major point then, is that we cannot follow Jesus by living a life dedicated to ourselves, our wants, likes, preferences and desires.
I’m, writing this and trying to think of an example of this “mocking” scenario, and the first thing that pops into my head is an example I hesitate to use, not wanting to appear to be too harsh… but consider this one: People who are always late for church. Yes, I’ve heard the excuses, they forgot to set the alarm… 10 weeks in a row. The wife takes forever to get ready, can’t get the kids going that early, blah blah blah! Funny thing: They get the kids to school on time, they get to work on time, but on Sunday it simply isn’t possible… and church is later than work or school. Now, let’s be candid, these good folks aren’t fooling me, so they aren’t fooling God either. They just don’t care very much about worshiping God; they can do it on their own terms, when they want. This is “flesh” speaking, and if this sounds wrong to you, please reread “Rebellion.”
There are plenty of other examples, and you may think this one is cutting too fine a line; maybe you’re right! Yet Paul is talking about priorities here, where do our priorities lie? Are they on the things of God, or are they on the things of the earthly life? Yes, I agree that timeliness may be a small matter, but it does reveal our priority systems. How much more serious would it be if these priorities extend into other areas? Something to think about…
In any case, Paul’s point is crystal clear, if we are focused on the flesh, things won’t always turn out so well. If we are focused on the Spirit, the rewards more than cover any inconvenience we might endure. Therefore, as much as is possible, we should “do good” for others, for this is pleasing in God’s sight, because it is an active expression of God’s love in our lives.
Life Project Blog 
Paul’s writing today reminds me of his work on Romans 10. How people may have heard but not know the background or the details. Also, because for the first time ever, I led a small group within a small group. Our group was split in two and the guy who usually does it did not show up and I was throw in from the bullpen to teach Romans10. Thus the Paul reference. I know this may be a reach but the theme of this lesson shows how vague you can be in following the Lord and how to really know him you have to make an conscious effort to get familiar (or in this case be there). I just hoped after last evening, I did not take religion back 1800 years….
William Haney is a small group leader!
Oh Lord, the time is REALLY SHORT!!!
Of course I’m kidding around 🙂
You are right on the money ole buddy, and I am PROUD of YOU!!
Thank you Don. This means alot. I was rather nervous but the folks in my group was supportive and participated with great substance. They made it alot easier to connect for me.
Yep, I’d expect as much, they’re all awesome, as are you!
I agree with the concept that if we truly treasure God and his goodness, we will want to be at church for the entire and full experience. Beyond that, I have resolved that I will try to stay engaged the entire hour: sing every song (even if I don’t know it or its range is set high above the clouds), stay tuned to the prayer and sermon, etc.
A great start!
Reblogged this on Jesus The Coner Stone and commented:
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It can be interpreted as being “too harsh”. However, our worship is not just in church attendance and being on time. I believe we are on time when we demonstrate our love to one another in our behavior. For instance, if we were late for church, but did we shout at the kids, or jump in front of another driver to get to church. These little matters of worship are what makes it worth the attendance when we get to church, magnifying our worship even more because we worshipped God along the way there.
Absolutely! Let’s face, the getting there on time thing is such a minor issue, but it can show a certain attitude of something deeper. Your example of shouting at the kids and being a jerk of a driver is much less trivial, but shows the same kind of attitude. The real question I think is, if we can’t handle the little things with an attitude of love and devotion to Christ, how will we do when the big things come up?
Thanks so much for a great comment!
Can it be said that the person who is tardy with their relationship with God will be tardy in their personal relationships as well? Funny that no matter where we are situation (location) in the body of Christ it is the same problems we face as congregations. Satan has really got us figured out. VW
You’re right! Even though this is a minor example, this kind of thing has a way of carrying throughout our lives, at least that’s how it looks to me.
Sad. VW
Not harsh at all in my opinion. It’s what I often remind myself of in certain situations, specifically making time for God. Sometimes I get caught up in things and have to give myself a “spiritual”ality check. No he can’t be mocked and certainly deserves much more of our time and sincerity than we often give Him. Thanks for sharing!
I’m with you on this one!
I thought your example of being late to church, etc was very appropriate –you convicted me with it for sure! It seems as much as I love being in church once I get there, I seem to be barely on time or a few minutes late far too often. Something to work harder on once I can return to attending church again in a few weeks.
Thanks Elaine, I hope you”re able to be back soon!
My goal to getting back to church is Easter Sunday. By then it should be easier to manage the stairs. I may try sooner if I can.
Easter is perfect! On that glorious day, Elaine will rise again!
Hey Don – don’t go pricking my comfort zones! This nitty picky example is exactly why church stuff gets a bad name! All that “must” stuff and things!
And as always the knee-jerk reaction distracts from the essence and the love and the unity.
Do I have to agree with your definition, and is it too nitty picky? Who cares. What I took from your words is that you care. Enough to bring Paul’s words into the here and now. Enough to stand up for your God and risk others taking a less charitable view. Enough to cause me to think so much harder about this one than a simple “YAY Don – Go Don – tell them how it is Don!”
Because that example made me think about my response. Not simply “pat you and me on the back” that we have the answers! That we have God. And then move on to the next blog and click the Like button.
Thank you. I am still pondering. And that – that is the precious gift you have given.
Wow! Boys and Girls, Paul goes to the head of the class this morning; well done Paul!
The example itself is very minor, almost trivial. Just ask if there’s thinking or an attitude behind the scenes, and if so how does it manifest itself when the issue is an important one,,, then draw your own conclusions as you see fit.
Simple.