Together in Christ: 'Reaping Everlasting Life!' — Galatians 6:8-10

Friday, June 28, 2024

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.
— Galatians 6:8-10 NLT

Key Thought

Paul's last two chapters in his letter to the Galatians repeatedly contrast life led by the Holy Spirit and life pursued by our sinful, fleshly nature. Paul reminded the Galatians — and reminds us, as well — that, since we reap what we sow, [1] we only have two choices:

  • We sow to the sinful, fleshly nature and harvest decay and death.
  • We seek to live as the Spirit leads and reap everlasting life.

There's not much choice when we view God's reality in its stark reality!

We want the power of the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead to be at work in us! [2] We choose life over death and renewal over decay. So, we don't look to law-keeping and the power of our flesh to sustain and justify us. We choose the way of the Spirit. We refuse to give up on what the Spirit is doing in our lives. We long for the everlasting harvest of eternal life!

The bottom line is that "whenever we have the opportunity" to do a good or kind deed to someone, we will. When they are part of our Christian, eternal family, we are even more committed to doing good to them and for them!

[1] 2 Corinthians 9:6.
[2] Romans 1:1-5, 8:9-11.

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me see these two vastly different choices as I face the challenges of each day. I want to follow Your way as the Spirit leads me. I want to bring a blessing to those around me. I want to bless and encourage those who are discouraged, downtrodden, and weary. I want to be a source of encouragement to those weary and weak whose faith is failing. O Lord God, use me to be a blessing and not to "cocoon" myself against those in this world who are in pain. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-14
  • Psalm 126:1-6; Romans 8:5-15

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Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 6:8-10 NLT — Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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