Slow Cooker

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Galatians 6:7-10 (KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

What Is It Saying?

We live in a microwave world. I don't even really enjoy using a microwave for food but I can't argue with the results. Its fast, and effective. Except with pizza. And that quick cook can bleed into our outlook on life too. We want results fast, growth fast, and change fast. We want to see the fruit of our labor immediately. But much of life doesn’t work that way. Neither does spiritual growth.

Paul reminds us that our lives are shaped by what we sow. Every choice, habit, attitude, and action is a seed. Some seeds are sown to the flesh. They may offer a temporary pleasure or an easy escape, but they ultimately lead to nothing...or worse. Other seeds are sown to the Spirit. These are the choices that may feel slower, harder, and less visible at first, but they lead to life. Serving others, resisting temptation, forgiving someone, showing patience, and remaining faithful can wear us down. If it didn't Paul would not encourage us to "not grow weary doing good".

God promises a harvest “in due season,” if we do not give up. Don’t assume your labor is wasted just because the harvest hasn’t appeared yet.

What Is It Saying to You?

What seeds are you planting each day?

Are you investing mainly in things that satisfy you in the short run?

Are you choosing to sow to the Spirit?

What Are We Going to Do About It?

Identify one area where you have been tempted to quit because the results are slow. Maybe it is a spiritual discipline, a difficult relationship, a ministry responsibility, or a personal struggle that seems to take longer than you expected. This week, recommit to one more week of faithful effort.