Galatians 6:8
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the SPIRIT
shall of the SPIRIT reap life everlasting.
+ + +
Dear Conscientious Brethren in CHRIST, these are SERIOUS words written by the Apostle Paul . . . to the worldlings ?
NO. They are written to the followers of JESUS in the Body of CHRIST.
The Apostle Paul saw something corrupt developing inside the Body of CHRIST. Corruption , remember, develops from the inside.
It was a pulling away from CHRIST
to devote one’s life to “getting ahead”.
The Apostle , in Galatians chapter 6, exhorts the Believers to share [ i.e., communicate ] with one another in supportive ways, helping one another to shoulder the burdens of life.
And THEN, the Apostle states that grave and serious warning: GOD knows what you are savoring in your heart. HE+ is not deceived by outward, church-attendance appearance.
Yes, we carry our responsibilities for our family and for our own sustenance and well-being. But our HEART is focused on The LORD JESUS and His+ Kingdom at all times.
MATTHEW 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Why is it then that we are pursuing with all our might our “getting ahead” with earthly possessions ? Investing in real estate ? Buying and selling houses and building apartments over our garage(s) ?
Why is it then that we install security measures at a hefty price ? It is to PROTECT our earthly treasures.
So where is our HEART, in reality ?
Has The LORD JESUS CHRIST given us specific word to expand our possessions “for use for the Brethren” ? If so, follow His+ direction. BUT BEWARE of the leading of your own flesh, your own motives.
Time after time, we are seeing the Followers of CHRIST buy their lands, build fine houses, and then they continue to buy lands and houses and build apartments.
What happens when a missionary family returns or some brethren come for an extended time and they live in their "extra" houses or apartments?
They charge them RENT and UTILITIES !
Where is the heart ? How MUCH TIME and energy and thought and stress goes into buying, building, selling , and watching for the next “bargain” in real estate purchases ? What exactly is the HEART focused on ?
It is focused on accruing the treasures of this world.
GOD is not mocked; HE+ knows what you are savoring. HE+ knows you are not just “earning a living” but rather you are enjoying the power of possessions , the power of striking a good deal and making a good investment. And the satisfaction of laying up SECURITY for your self / family.
THAT IS SOWING TO THE FLESH
as much as the drunk , the drug addict,
the go-go dancer, and the street prostitute
sow to the flesh in their life-style.
Even WORSE . . . it gives the appearance of righteousness, especially if the brethren are conscientious about honesty in their business dealings. The whole world will speak highly and hold in great respect an HONEST business man, yes ? Yes, that man will win the approval OF THE WORLD.
So because of that, a follower of JESUS thinks he can sow to the FLESH . . . as long as it’s honestly done .
Is that RIGHTLY DIVIDING the WORD of GOD ?
Yes, some Brothers wear long sleeves and long pants, not looking like the worldlings. Yes, some ladies cover their heads and their bodies, not looking like the worldlings.
That is ALL TO THE GOOD. The witness of CHRIST goes forth without them opening their mouth.
But The LORD looketh upon the heart, the heart that Man cannot see.
Are the items of “separated” ( from the world ) clothing a matter of pride ? Does it include a holier-than-thou attitude ? A smug self-satisfaction ?
How DO we SOW TO THE SPIRIT and NOT the FLESH ?
1. We commit our ENTIRE life to CHRIST JESUS , including our money.
2. We vow to SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of GOD and lay up ALL of our treasures in Heaven.
3. . We determine to LISTEN for and then FOLLOW His+ Direction in all things pertaining to this life on earth.
Riches --- investments, possessions, real estate --- are always justified by Christians whose role model is Abraham or Daniel, not CHRIST, not the Apostles.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee:
In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth
rise up and walk. Acts 3:6
Have you ever wondered WHAT HAS HAPPENED to the miracle power for healing and conviction that occurred with the early disciples of CHRIST ?
Perhaps we are TOO RICH . Perhaps we have set ourselves to win riches instead of souls ?
The justification for Christians having riches are:
1. DENIAL --- I’m not rich; I’m just trying to earn a living and put money back ( make investments, buy real estate , etc. ) for when I’ll need it.
2. FAMILY – My family requires it.
3. HONEST – I’m honest in all my business dealings and tax payments.
4. GOOD STEWARDSHIP --- I’m a good steward of my riches. I tithe and I give a lot to the church and several ministries.
The LORD JESUS plainly told us:
Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon. Matthew 6:24b
In short, The LORD JESUS told us we ARE NOT ABLE to serve both at the same time. It’s one . . . or the other.
GALATIANS 6:7
7 Be not deceived; GOD is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the SPIRIT
shall of the SPIRIT reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8
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