We are on our second to last devotion in the Book of Galatians. Last week, we talked about the importance of having people in our lives who love us enough to correct us when we are living by the flesh. Now, Paul starts this passage talking about the people who teach us, specifically pastors. Let’s look at Galatians 6:6:
The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
First of all, the text says “The one who is taught the word.” Now, if you are going to a church where the word is not taught – you should probably leave quickly! However, if you are under a man who teaches you the word faithfully, Paul explains you “should share all good things with” him. This includes providing for his physical needs! Since I am person who served as a pastor or missionary for over 10 years, I can tell you how thankful I am that my brothers and sisters in Christ shared with me. Being a pastor is a difficult calling (job)! Having to stand in front of a room of people and share God’s truth in His Word is very humbling. As the Book of James points out, teachers will be judged more strictly (cf. James 3:1). Why don’t you stop for a moment and pray for your pastor? Remember, Satan would love to steal, kill and destroy. Let’s be faithful in praying for our pastors and teachers! Paul tells us to share ALL good things with the one who teaches us! Let’s continue and read Galatians 6:9-10.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
If you plant corn in a field, you will harvest corn. If you plant soybeans in a field, you will harvest soybeans. If you plant a tomato plant in your garden, it will produce only tomatoes. Paul explains “whatever a man sows this he will reap.” You have two options: 1) you can sow to the Spirit, or 2) you can sow to your flesh. In other words, you can be controlled by God and do His work or you can be controlled by your own fleshly desires and do your own work. However, you must understand that when you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption. Yikes! Sowing to the flesh will not lead to anything of eternal value. On the contrary, the man who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life. Eternal life is not only future but it is also now for the believer. Jesus claimed that he came so that we can have life and have it abundantly (cf. John 10:10). Jesus also said in John 17:3 “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” But most of the time in Scripture, eternal life speaks of the future like in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life! What an amazing truth!
Look at how Paul finishes this passage “Let us not lose heart in doing good.” Again, the Christian life needs to be lived moment by moment. It is a marathon – not a sprint! Keep walking by the Spirit, and you will reap if you don’t grow weary. I would imagine that some of you reading this devotion are pretty weary at this moment. If I am talking to you, go to Jesus right now. Let Him fill your cup again. He will give you rest. Finally, Paul says to do good to ALL people, especially those who are of the household of faith. Notice, the text says “while we have opportunity.” Our life is just a moment – a vapor here today and gone tomorrow. Are you going to live that life for His Honor and Glory or for your own? That question is a little too convicting….see you next time!