What goes around . . . ∙

What goes around . . . ∙

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9  

Galatians 6:7-10

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

 8 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.

 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we will reap if we do not grow weary.

 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those of the household of the faith.

Over time, people have identified and understood universal principles that dictate and control “how things work.” Ralph Waldo Emerson regarded the universal Law of Cause and Effect as the “Law of laws.” This law declares that every outcome has a specific cause, and equally, every cause leads to a specific outcome.

Simply put, our lives are shaped by our thoughts, behaviors, and deeds. When we alter our actions, the outcomes also change.

We always have the authority to decide our responses to life’s highs and lows. Our reactions can be either wise or foolish. Wise decisions yield positive results, while imprudent ones can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Thoughts and actions have repercussions. These effects are akin to ripples expanding across a body of water, impacting us and those around us. Unfortunately, we often believe that our actions exist in isolation.

People from cities often overlook farming wisdom: “You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow” (Stanley). In modern terms, “what goes around, comes around.”

This truth applies not only to the natural world but also to our relationship with the Father. To believe otherwise is, at best, wishful thinking and, at worst, self-deception. Paul cautions.

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

What does it mean to mock? In English, mocking implies treating someone or something with contempt or scorn. The Greek word translated as mock is mukterizo. Mukterizo is used only once in the New Testament (Galatians 6:7). Mukterizo comes from the Greek noun from mukter – nose or nostril.

Mukterizo could be translated as turning the nose in scorn or sneering. Thus, it has the sense to mock, deride, cheat, outwit, or despise. The meaning of the whole statement is captured in the TEV – “No one makes a fool of God!” The JB translates it, “Don’t delude yourself into thinking God can be cheated.”

How many individuals presume they can disregard the Father and His immutable laws without consequences? They may believe they can hoodwink the Father and trick Him without adverse repercussions. Maybe they don’t believe in His existence, or if they do, they assume He isn’t observing or paying attention. Really? Take a moment to reflect on that.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our current position in life is essentially a reflection of our choices. Poor decisions lead to adverse outcomes, while good choices yield positive results.

Father I seek your guidance in learning and cultivating sound decisions. Please help me.

INSIGHT

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” (Henry Ford)

Regrettably, our inherent fallen nature predisposes us to make poor choices and engage in detrimental actions.

“Today is the father of tomorrow. What we are today is the result of what we have been thinking and the way we have lived in the past” (Stanley).

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional” (John Maxwell).

To change takes awareness and desire, then commitment, courage, and effort. But the good news is that when we choose to do what is good and sow to the spirit, we are on the positive side of the equation. Paul reminds us that our actions invariably lead to either positive or negative consequences.

Here are three principles to remember:

1. The Father instituted the law of cause and effect, the principle of sowing and reaping. The saying “what goes around comes around” holds true as a principle laid down by the Father.

• The law of the harvest, reaping what you sow, is a double-edged sword. It applies to both good and bad deeds.

• As the law of reaping and sowing is a principle established by the Father. It just happens. There’s no need to struggle to enforce it.

The law of the harvest, reaping what you sow, is always in effect, but its results aren’t instant. The outcomes of our decisions and actions may not be immediately visible. Moreover, if we have been nurturing our earthly desires, sowing to the flesh, we might have a substantial harvest of corruption to reap and eliminate.

Relationships can often be challenging. What should the children of the King do when life becomes tough? When hurt or wronged by others, especially family and close friends, we should aim to forgive and not dwell on the hurt.

Proverbs 17:9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

The thought is, “If you wish to have friends, forgive their wrongs” (UBS). This has been translated as “If you wish to have friends, forgive their wrongs” (UBS), “To forgive a wrong fosters friendship” (FRCL), or “Whoever wishes to keep a friendship forgives offenses” (GECL).

“The ability to practice forgiveness and discretion is essential for the survival of an atmosphere of friendship” (Garrett).

James 4:17 cautions us that knowing what’s right and not doing it is a sin.

Sadly, many of the children of the King feel like they’ve “heard it all before.” They feel like they’re just going through the motions despite their knowledge and faith. They feel disconnected, as if things aren’t working out for them. They drift away, and the gap widens. Darkness envelops them, and many feel like giving up.

Even so, there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

Ephesians 5:14-17

 14 “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 7-20-1

© Dr. H 2023