When we look at the world, we may be struck by the apparent unfairness we see. It seems that often virtue is not rewarded, it may even be punished, whilst wickedness can lead to success and prosperity. Many experiences stir a strong desire to cry, ‘That’s not fair!’ Paul now deals with such issues. We now consider Galatians 6:6-10 Reaping what you sow.
1. The gratitude to be shown
Commentators are puzzled by the presence of v6 here, regarding sharing all good things with your instructor. Perhaps it reflects the situation in the churches when no-one was paid for ministry. It may have been hard for leaders to teach and also earn a living. Given the factions in the Galatian churches, perhaps the problems were exacerbated. It is a general principle of church life that there is to be reciprocity between teachers and taught. The latter receives ‘instruction in the word’, and in return he must ‘share all good things’. Clearly in view are material things to support the teacher (as in 1 Corinthians 9:14).
2. The principle to be followed
Paul broadens out his instruction to depict two fundamental ways of life. In a striking way he underlines the importance of the lesson: ‘Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked’ (v7). It is not possible to disobey God and his law without repercussions. In general ‘a man reaps what he sows’ (v7). There is a profound link between how one lives and the results (the crop) that life bears. Living ‘to please his sinful nature’ (v8) leads to spiritual disaster when account is given to God. On the other hand, the one ‘who sows to please the Spirit’ reaps ‘eternal life’. Usually the outcome of these principles is seen only in the long term. We need to have an eternal perspective, seen from God’s point of view.
3. The harvest to be sought
The harvest is not earned by our effort, but by God’s grace. Paul issues the exhortation in v9 ‘Let us not become weary in doing good’. Paul speaks of the certainty of a harvest: ‘at the proper time we will reap a harvest’. The harvest is not earned by our effort but is the fruit of God’s grace. Paul seems to have the final judgment in view. There may be a harvest in this life, but there may not. There is a proper place for speaking of rewards in Christian service – Jesus says in Matthew 6:4 ‘your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’ – an act of his grace. Perseverance is essential and the reward comes ‘at the proper time’.
4. The opportunity to be seized
The practical application of sowing to please the Spirit: ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people’ (v10). This is an expression of ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (5:14), so fulfilling God’s law. We ‘do good’ when we do whatever is for the benefit of others, material/physical as well as spiritual. We are not to be narrow in our concern – ‘all people’ – reflecting the Saviour’s heart. Note the proper priority – ‘especially to those who are of the household of faith’ (ESV), those bound to us in the Lord’s love.