We Reap what we SOW.

[serpentdove]

Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't...

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you [Hos. 10:12].

This is a principle that runs throughout the Bible. It is exactly what Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia: “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” (Gal. 6:7–8). Hosea is saying that if they would sow in righteousness, they would reap in mercy. It is always true that we cannot live by the Devil’s standards and then expect to reap a reward from God!

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men [Hos. 10:13].

Israel hadn’t learned her lesson. She plowed wickedness, so she would reap iniquity. They have eaten the fruit of lies. They trusted in mighty men, in their leaders who lied to them. They believed these men rather than God. So they got exactly what was coming to them—the fruit of lies.

In Daniel we read that God set over the nation the “… basest of men” (Dan. 4:17). My friend, in our day, regardless of what political party you are talking about, a sinful, godless people cannot elect a righteous leader. If the people are liars, they will get a liar as a leader. If they are adulterers, they will get an adulterer. If they are thieves, that’s the kind of ruler they will have. My friend, you cannot beat God at this. As the Greek proverb puts it, “The dice of the gods are loaded.” You can’t gamble with God without losing. If you think that you can be a liar, an adulterer, a thief, and get by with it, I have news for you. When you roll the dice of life, you think they are going to come up in such a way that you will be the winner. Well, God already knows how they will come up, because He has loaded them. When you sow sin, you will reap sin. That is inescapable. If you think that you can escape the results of sin, you are making God out a liar and the Bible a falsehood. It is true that some have thought that they have gotten by with sin, but no one ever has. If we could bring Ahab and Jezebel or Judas back to testify, they would tell you that they did not get by with sin. And if we could bring back to life some Americans who have died, they would testify to the same thing." McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Prophets (Hosea/Joel) (electronic ed., Vol. 27, pp. 105–107). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

As a reminder PureX is number 37 on Satan, Inc. (TOL Heretics list) in "The 'Jesus is not God' people (Non-trinitarians) category. :burnlib:

 

[glorydaz]

We Reap what we SOW.

Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't.

History is full of despots who spent their whole lives raping, robbing, and murdering men, women, and children. Committing the most unimaginably horrible sins, and crimes, until they finally died of old age. And they never paid for those sins, or crimes, in any way. Not in this life, certainly.

But I also think we do pay, in a way, for such grotesquely selfish thought and behavior. I think there is a cumulative effect on our hearts and minds when we choose to act out such selfishness. Such that we lose ourselves. We lose our humanity. We lose our reason to exist, because our own pleasure just doesn't stand as a reason to exist, for long. As human beings, we want something more then that. And as human beings we want to connect and share our lives with others. And the role of the despot denies us that. It forces us to live alone, and in fear of everyone, even as we rule over them with the threat of their torture and death.

Then they do reap what they sow. You just described it very well. A hatefilled heart, lifelong misery, and lack of love are horrible consequences. Bad behavior is risky behavior because there are consequences. The risk comes from never knowing what those consequences will be. It can be like a shoe waiting to drop. They could be obvious and immediate. They could be unseen by those around us. They could extend over our entire lives. We cannot control what those consequences are, but we can't deny they are deserved. Sometimes they seem to be harsher than we deserve and sometimes they don't seem to be harsh enough. Not really our call no matter how much we would like it to be.

 

[Jamie Gigliotti]

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8,
Corruption is what "we thought" was the best course of action. Worry, then stress. As examples. Which if not taken captive will lead to more severe forms of behavior that God did want us to have.

We sow a thought and reap and action.
We sow an action and reap a HABIT.
We sow a HABIT and reap a Character.
We sow a character and reap a DESTINY. ( Charles Stanley ) .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLgDoFkdqo

We do reap what we sow. And it all starts with a thought. We can think as God has instructed us to think, or we can think as we want and assuredly it will lead to disaster.

Eventually strongholds of Satan will root in our lives. Strongholds can be broken. But why take this hard road ?

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:3 NKJV


Proverbs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." The “heart” includes the mind and all that proceeds from it. Someone said that every sin we commit, we commit twice, once in our thoughts and again when we act upon those thoughts. It is easier to rid our lives of sin if we attack it at this fundamental thought level rather than waiting for it to become rooted in our lives by our actions and then try to pull it out. So true.
As we did not heed what our Lord promised if we discipline our way of thinking to His way of thinking. We develop an incorrect perception of who you ( we ) , are in Christ. And who we are in our Christ Jesus, is what our relationship with Jesus and each other, and the world is all about.

Live in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, chiefly through seeking His strength through prayer (Matthew 26:41). If we rely upon our own strength, we will fail (Proverbs 28:26;Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 26:33).

Whatever you keep your mind on (think about often) will affect your whole being. Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Perhaps the most important Scripture is our thoughts and the effect is:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJV.
By practice. Practice, exercise, beleive what God said. We might fall. We may stumble. But keep practicing. God made us a promise. HE will keep it. Gods word works.

If you think you're a failure, you'll feel like a failure. If you think you're a new creation (washed clean from your past), you'll feel clean and new... alive in Christ! Jesus made this promise .

The results will indeed transform our lives. For the better. I truly hope these truths find there way into many Christians lives.

Sow good, Holy thoughts. And we will reap Blessings into our life and others.

Because Jesus does know what is best for us.

I think some get tripped up on this truthful spiritual principle, feeling as if it depends on the self, when in reality it's about depending upon God.

 

[PureX]

Then they do reap what they sow. You just described it very well. A hatefilled heart, lifelong misery, and lack of love are horrible consequences.

To you and I these would be horrible consequences. But to the despots of the world, this is just "normal life". Because they believe that we are not human beings, but animals, all competing for the power, and the goods. The winner wins, and the losers lose, and that's just the way it is in the mind of the despot.

Yes, they suffer the consequences of their selfishness, but basically, they are so lost in their own darkness that they can't even see it.

Bad behavior is risky behavior because there are consequences. The risk comes from never knowing what those consequences will be.

If we can't see them as consequences, then they are not consequential to us. Which is why the threat is meaningless to the despot.

It can be like a shoe waiting to drop. They could be obvious and immediate. They could be unseen by those around us. They could extend over our entire lives. We cannot control what those consequences are, but we can't deny they are deserved.

Of course we can, and we do it all the time. Especially when these "consequences" are so fickle and disconnected from their cause, by time and circumstance.

Sometimes they seem to be harsher than we deserve and sometimes they don't seem to be harsh enough. Not really our call no matter how much we would like it to be.

And what about the consequences that we DON'T deserve? Because those are everywhere. Most despotism harms it's victims far more than it harms the despot. And the victims don't deserve any of it. So how do we rationalize that away?

 

[Jamie Gigliotti]

To you and I these would be horrible consequences. But to the despots of the world, this is just "normal life". Because they believe that we are not human beings, but animals, all competing for the power, and the goods. The winner wins, and the losers lose, and that's just the way it is in the mind of the despot.

Yes, they suffer the consequences of their selfishness, but basically, they are so lost in their own darkness that they can't even see it.
If we can't see them as consequences, then they are not consequential to us. Which is why the threat is meaningless to the despot.
Of course we can, and we do it all the time. Especially when these "consequences" are so fickle and disconnected from their cause, by time and circumstance.
And what about the consequences that we DON'T deserve? Because those are everywhere. Most despotism harms it's victims far more than it harms the despot. And the victims don't deserve any of it. So how do we rationalize that away?

Freedom comes with a price! But you know God is not just sitting watching, not caring. He sent His Son, He suffered for us to show His love to move us to be filled with His love and fight against the darkness. We overcome evil with good. His goodness, His love inside of us.

 

[Ben Masada]

We reap what we sow.

We reap what we sow.

In other words, this is about the law of cause and effect.

 

[glorydaz]

And what about the consequences that we DON'T deserve? Because those are everywhere. Most despotism harms it's victims far more than it harms the despot. And the victims don't deserve any of it. So how do we rationalize that away?

In this world we will have tribulation. When we're talking about reaping what we sow....we're talking about the consequences we reap because of what we have sown. The sufferings that comes on the innocent aren't the consequences of reaping and sowing that we are discussing here.

There are other reasons for suffering....why bad things happen to good people is another topic all together.

 

[chrysostom]

In other words, this is about the law of cause and effect.

whoa!

 

[Ben Masada]

1 - When we don't, probably it is because those upon whom we saw our seed find nothing wrong with it. We have Freewill.

2 - The despots you are referring to, probably find approval among those upon whom they commit their atrocities. It is for us to rise against them if we don't like the way they rule.

3 - IMHO, they simply find no unjust the way they are ruled.

4 - Usually, weakness invites injustice. If we fight despotism we might produce the harvesting they deserve to reap.

5 - That's a good option for despots to reap but we must take courage and prepare the revolution.

6 - I don't think so, unless we are satisfied with what we get.

 

[Lazy afternoon]

We Reap what we SOW.

Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't.

History is full of despots who spent their whole lives raping, robbing, and murdering men, women, and children. Committing the most unimaginably horrible sins, and crimes, until they finally died of old age. And they never paid for those sins, or crimes, in any way. Not in this life, certainly.

So why do we keep insisting that we do pay for our sins? Is it just because we want it to be that way? Even though it's not? Are we just telling ourselves lies so we can fabricate some sense of justice for ourselves?

I think that has a lot to do with it. Maybe everything to do with it.

But I also think we do pay, in a way, for such grotesquely selfish thought and behavior. I think there is a cumulative effect on our hearts and minds when we choose to act out such selfishness. Such that we lose ourselves. We lose our humanity. We lose our reason to exist, because our own pleasure just doesn't stand as a reason to exist, for long. As human beings, we want something more then that. And as human beings we want to connect and share our lives with others. And the role of the despot denies us that. It forces us to live alone, and in fear of everyone, even as we rule over them with the threat of their torture and death.

This doesn't stop people from becoming despots, of course. But there may be some little comfort in knowing that they are in effect, dead men walking. They have lost their humanity, forever, and can now only chase after an ever-diminishing and fleeting sense of pleasure, until they are dead.

Unfortunately, this is little consolation to anyone they get hold of in the meantime. But it's all the consolation there is, in this world.

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

 

[PureX]

In this world we will have tribulation. When we're talking about reaping what we sow....we're talking about the consequences we reap because of what we have sown. The sufferings that comes on the innocent aren't the consequences of reaping and sowing that we are discussing here.

Well, I am discussing them. Because in real life, very often, people end up reaping what OTHER PEOPLE have sown. Because we do not live in isolation.

This is why the whole "reaping and sowing" parable doesn't apply to the reality we are living in, much of the time. And it's important to understand this.

 

[Jamie Gigliotti]

Well, I am discussing them. Because in real life, very often, people end up reaping what OTHER PEOPLE have sown. Because we do not live in isolation.

This is why the whole "reaping and sowing" parable doesn't apply to the reality we are living in, much of the time. And it's important to understand this.

It is a spiritual principle, not worldly a one. Jesus warned, in the world we will have trouble because of His name. The rewards are eternal...

 

[rougueone]

Then they do reap what they sow. You just described it very well. A hatefilled heart, lifelong misery, and lack of love are horrible consequences. Bad behavior is risky behavior because there are consequences. The risk comes from never knowing what those consequences will be. It can be like a shoe waiting to drop. They could be obvious and immediate. They could be unseen by those around us. They could extend over our entire lives. We cannot control what those consequences are, but we can't deny they are deserved. Sometimes they seem to be harsher than we deserve and sometimes they don't seem to be harsh enough. Not really our call no matter how much we would like it to be.

Well stated G.D.

 

[patrick jane]

Well, I am discussing them. Because in real life, very often, people end up reaping what OTHER PEOPLE have sown. Because we do not live in isolation.

This is why the whole "reaping and sowing" parable doesn't apply to the reality we are living in, much of the time. And it's important to understand this.

Good post

 

[glorydaz]

Well, I am discussing them. Because in real life, very often, people end up reaping what OTHER PEOPLE have sown. Because we do not live in isolation.

This is why the whole "reaping and sowing" parable doesn't apply to the reality we are living in, much of the time. And it's important to understand this.

It does apply. It's just that it is not the only principle involved in life. Reaping what we sow speaks of consequences we bring on ourselves. There is also a principle that in this world we will have tribulation. Not all trials and tribulations are consequences we have brought on ourselves.

God can, and does, use ALL THINGS, however, to work together for good for those who love God.

 

[ok doser]

iow, we deserve what we get

 

[PureX]

It does apply. It's just that it is not the only principle involved in life. Reaping what we sow speaks of consequences we bring on ourselves. There is also a principle that in this world we will have tribulation. Not all trials and tribulations are consequences we have brought on ourselves.

God can, and does, use ALL THINGS, however, to work together for good for those who love God.

My point is that the quote about reaping what we sow is too often used by Christians to blame the victims of misfortune for having brought it on themselves, when in fact, they are suffering misfortunes brought onto them by ourselves and others. We live in an socio-economic system that runs on greed, and then we blame those who get trapped in poverty for doing it to themselves. When in fact, we are doing it to them by our participation and approval of this greed-based system, every single day. The whole reaping what we sow thing becomes a great excuse for ignoring the plight of others. And for ignoring our participation in it.

 

[ok doser]

My point is that the quote about reaping what we sow is too often used by Christians to blame the victims of misfortune for having brought it on themselves, when in fact, they are suffering misfortunes brought onto them by ourselves and others. We live in an socio-economic system that runs on greed, and then we blame those who get trapped in poverty for doing it to themselves. When in fact, we are doing it to them by our participation and approval of this greed-based system, every single day. The whole reaping what we sow thing becomes a great excuse for ignoring the plight of others. And for ignoring our participation in it.

did bernie madoff reap what he had sown?

 

[patrick jane]

did bernie madoff reap what he had sown?

Yes he got prison time and 100,000 hours community service.

The dose man is back !!!

 

[glorydaz]

My point is that the quote about reaping what we sow is too often used by Christians to blame the victims of misfortune for having brought it on themselves, when in fact, they are suffering misfortunes brought onto them by ourselves and others. We live in an socio-economic system that runs on greed, and then we blame those who get trapped in poverty for doing it to themselves. When in fact, we are doing it to them by our participation and approval of this greed-based system, every single day. The whole reaping what we sow thing becomes a great excuse for ignoring the plight of others. And for ignoring our participation in it.

It doesn't make a biblical principle wrong just because people abuse it or use it wrongly.

People do blame innocents and people do refuse to place any blame on the guilty....neither are right and neither makes the principle of sowing and reaping null and void.