Sometimes it takes work to do what we’re supposed to do. Maybe we’re tired, and we’ve had a long day. Perhaps we’re not feeling well or don’t want to do those things. Whatever the reason, we have to be honest with ourselves as to why we’re not doing whatever it is we’re not doing. 

In Galatians 6, Paul gives us this insight.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

The context for this statement deals with things like giving an offering to an instructor. In Galatians 6:6, Paul tells the Galatians that “the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” Paul was talking about spiritual and material blessings. Thus, the context of not mocking God in verse 7 deals with someone not giving their instructor a spiritual or material blessing. These instructors could be Bible teachers or pastors. Anyone who is teaching the word of God. Paul says something like this in 1 Timothy.

For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

1 Timothy 5:18 (NIV)

In Galatians 6:7, Paul says, “Don’t try and lie to God about why you’re not giving an offering. God knows your heart.” The reaping and sowing Paul refers to deals with his message about following the Spirit and not the flesh, which is the premise of his letter to the Galatians. Thus, we can consider the reaping in Galatians 6:7 as reaping to please the flesh or the Spirit.

Although the context of not mocking God in Galatians 6:7 is about offerings to teachers and instructors of the word, we can apply the same notion to other areas. Like not being honest about why we aren’t doing something we should be doing. Indeed, we should be frank with ourselves regardless.

When I think about not being honest with myself, I’m reminded of the dialogue between Moses and the Lord when God told Moses to return to Egypt. Instead of telling the Lord he’ll do what he wants him to do, Moses comes up with reasons why he shouldn’t go. First, Moses questions whether or not the Israelites will believe that God sent him, so the Lord gives Moses three things he can do as signs that he sent him. Turn his staff into a snake, cause his hand to become leprous, and turn water into blood. Then, Moses tells the Lord he’s not a good speaker, but God tells Moses he’ll teach him what to say. After this, Moses has this to say.

But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

Exodus 4:13 (NIV)

Moses didn’t want to return to Egypt, but he didn’t lead with that when God told him to go to Egypt and free his people. I always chuckle when I read that because it’s such a human thing to do. We make up excuses for not wanting to do something when the real reason is we don’t want to do it. 

This is where reaping and sowing come in. Consider this. If you lie to yourself about why you don’t want to do something and don’t do it, you know you lied, and God does too. However, given enough time, you’ll forget that you lied and come to believe your lie. In this way, you’re not only sinning, but you’re not doing yourself any good. However, if you acknowledge right away that you don’t want to do whatever it is because you don’t want to, then you can do what I do.

Sometimes there are things I could be doing, but I want to do something other than them. Yet, when I acknowledge that I don’t want to do those things without excuses, I can ask God to change my heart. Consider Galatians 6:7 again within context.

Say an offering comes up at church after a pastor has given a message. You don’t want to give anything. That’s okay. It’s “your” money. However, you say something else instead of admitting why you aren’t offering. Not only are you lying, but you’re not giving God a chance to change your heart. It’s okay to tell God, “I could be giving but I just don’t want to. Please change my heart to be more generous.” God already knows. Which is why lying to yourself is mocking God. 

We can ask God to change our hearts about anything. When we ask God to change our hearts, we do two things. 

1. We’re acknowledging that our way isn’t the best.

2. That God’s way is the best.

In Matthew, Jesus told his disciples what they would need to do if they wanted to follow him.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

It’s difficult to deny ourselves; if we try and do it on our own, we are more likely to fail than succeed. Otherwise, taking up our cross and following Jesus would have no meaning. Yet, when we turn our hearts to the Lord and ask him to help, he’s more than happy to oblige. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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