Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 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. 9 And
let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not. –Galatians 6:7-9 (KJV)
My Uncle Bob is a dear godly man who has
preached the Word of God for many decades. I am told by my mother
that her brother was something of a prankster when he was a young man.
She told a story about a passer-by who stopped by the farmhouse where
they resided in Eastern Kentucky looking for something to eat.
Uncle Bob, who was a teenager at the time, was the only person home
and he did not feel like fixing the traveler some food, so he told him
he was not able to help him. The man then asked if he might just
have something to drink. Uncle Bob looked around and all he could
find was a wash basin which family members had been using to wash their
hands in that day. Going to the well and getting fresh water would
have been the proper course, but as I said, my uncle was known for
playing jokes on people. Furthermore, going to the well was a
lot of trouble. As the man waited on the porch, Uncle Bob filled
a ladle with the soapy water and brought it to the man.
The man drank the water and asked for another.
Uncle Bob obliged and refilled the ladle from the basin. The man
drank this and then asked for another drink, which was readily provided.
After three ladles full the man appeared to have had enough. Uncle
Bob asked if the man wanted one more drink. The man replied, “No
son, it’s starting to taste a might soapy.”
As I reflect on this story I consider those who drink from a polluted
spiritual water source rather than the pure water of life Jesus Christ
offers. The world constantly seeks to lure us toward all sorts
of ways to try and fill our thirst for meaning and purpose. These
will include wealth, possessions, sexuality, drugs, alcohol, and self-centeredness.
Any and all of these can create havoc in our lives and only leave us
further confused and empty. The Word of God warns us not to be
deceived. We will reap what we sow, and if we sow ungodliness and
self, then this is what we will reap. However, if we sow the spiritual
blessings of Jesus Christ into our lives we will reap a harvest of peace,
joy, hope, and contentment.
Let us never grow weary in the pursuit of godliness, for in serving
the Lord there is purpose and joy. Keep moving forward and never
give up, for the Lord is with us.
God bless you today.
