Understanding the Literal and Spiritual Law of Sowing and Reaping

Daily Devotional – Thursday, December 2, 2021

 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

God instituted the law of sowing and reaping at creation. After the Flood of Noah’s day, God affirmed it by stating, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:12).

It may seem unnecessary to remind people that when they plant beans they will harvest beans? Isn’t it obvious? Who does not know that the more you plant the more you will harvest?

Unfortunately, people ignore the obvious and common sense is not always common. How else can we explain people who neglect working and resort to prayer only and expect God to supply their needs? 

God’s Laws are Never in Conflict

Spiritual laws and physical laws can never be in conflict because the same God authored them. The only time God interferes with natural and physical laws is when He has to perform a miracle. However, God does not perform miracles where He has given man the means and ability to create.
For example, God provided Israelites with manna in the wilderness. Now, here is an interesting verse. “The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:35).

Why did the Manna Supply Stop?

Because the Israelites were now in a land with plenty of food. Going forward, God expected them to plant and harvest adequate food. To them, two messages were appropriate:

1. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).
2. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Spiritual Lessons from the Law of Sowing and Reaping

Two spiritual lessons emerge from the two verses. One, we may lie to human beings but we cannot lie to God. If we engage in a life of sin, soon the seed we planted will bear fruit to our utmost shame and embarrassment. 

Two, God calls upon us to be generous in supporting others and the work of the gospel. The more we give for these worthy courses, the more God blesses us and vice versa.

Of Actions and Consequences

In essence, the natural law of sowing and reaping has a replica in the spiritual world. Both require us to realize that there are consequences to our actions, whether good or bad. 

Whatever you do or fail to do today, remember you will reap what you saw, whether materially or spiritually.

Almighty Father, always remind me the law of sowing and reaping and its consequences in my life.