“Do not be deceived. God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

When will we ever learn that there are consequences to our actions whether good or bad? The cause and effect of what we do is inevitable. Is our human nature so stupid as to think we can do whatever we please without any responsibility for the result? That would seem to be the deceptive strategy of our enemy, Satan, who is intent of bringing us down.

The discipline of a young child is designed to teach this important principle. You misbehave and punishment ensues. Touch a hot stove and you will get burned. Break a toy and you no longer get to enjoy playing with it. Even the adolescent learns that disobedience brings grounding and the loss of privileges. Why can’t we learn the lesson? He convinces us we can do whatever we please with impunity.

Indulging in sex before marriage brings an unwanted pregnancy. Seeking shallow sensual pleasures through promiscuous behavior results in the loss of self-esteem and virtually destroys the potential for the security and joy of a lasting relationship in the future. The one who chooses to indulge in smoking, drinking or drugs will inevitably bear the consequences of abusing their body or distorted judgment.

But the principle is not just relative to blatant sin and immoral behavior. The scripture goes on to explain, “For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption” (Gal. 6:8a). The flesh is our self-centered nature that wants attention, comfort, pleasure and gratification. It is one who devotes himself to striving for wealth and success. Such a one may gain those objectives but with a cost of broken relationships, a neglected family and spiritual impoverishment.

However, “the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:8b). The reverse side of the principle is also true. If one chooses what is right, pure, holy and God-honoring he shall reap blessing, joy, fulfillment, positive influence and the assurance of eternal reward. Life is filled with choices–everyday and literally every moment of everyday. Consequences will follow whether one chooses selfishly indulging the flesh or being led by God’s Spirit. That is not just applicable to actions and behavior but to attitudes as well.

Such a cause and effect is not just an inevitable fact of human nature. We must not dismiss the reality that the providence of an almighty, omnipresent, moral God created and manipulates the inevitability of this principle: “whatsoever a man sows, this he will also reap!”

I love the example Jesus gave to illustrate this in Luke 6:38–”Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.”

Don’t be deceived. God guarantees we will reap what we sow.