1Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else. 5For each man will bear his own burden.
6But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
7Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
11See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, so that they may boast in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel.
17From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
The Log Book
7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
The principle of “sowing and reaping” is ubiquitous in scripture. That means it’s everywhere. Adam and Eve sowed rebellion, and it resulted in the loss of immortality. Cain sowed envy and murder, and God ostracized him. Abraham sowed obedience (for the most part), and he moved from Ur to a place he had never been, not knowing how he would get there, only knowing that God would be there when he reached that place. God rewarded his faith. Joseph sowed patience and forgiveness for those who had wronged him, and God promoted him, making him the Prime Minister of Egypt. Yes, the principle of sowing and reaping is all over the pages of the Bible. Reader, what are you sowing? Paul tells us here to be proactive in sowing things of the Spirit. You may wonder, “How can I do that?” It is only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will lead you to do those things (sowing to the Spirit) that God purposed for you to do before the foundations of the world. (Ephesians 2:10)
Each day, you must make a choice. Will you sow to the Spirit or the flesh? It’s really that simple a choice. And then a caution is thrown into the whole mix. When you engage in doing the things of the Spirit, you’ll often be unnoticed. That’s okay. You won’t get the credit. That’s alright. In fact, it’s the way you should really want to do these things if you do them correctly. Paul knows that if we serve others and step out of self, there is a weariness that comes with that. He cautions us, “Do not be weary in doing good for you will reap your reward in due season.” God notices each and every kindness that we show. He sees each and every act of service we do for others. They may not thank you, but God will put it in the “log book.” So, notwithstanding the likelihood of never being thanked or noticed, do it! As much as you are able to do so, do good to all men. But especially be conscious and purposeful in doing good for your fellow believers and church members. Don’t worry about the kudos. Don’t worry about the applause. Don’t look to be noticed or thanked. If we aren’t concerned about who gets the credit, it will be amazing what God can do in and through us!