Whatsoever

Byron Washington, Columnist

2023 is already gaining speed and momentum. The beginning of the year is when we hear declarations and people stating what they plan to change so that 2023 can be their best year.

This year, I encourage us to be mindful of a spiritual law at work, even when we do not realize it: ⁷ Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. ⁸ If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 (NRSVU)

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatian church to be mindful of what they are sowing. Paul says, “whatsoever” that could be expressed as “anything” you sow, you will reap.

That is a powerful statement. This year we should be careful about what we are sowing, intentionally and unintentionally. We should consider how we talk about our job or life. Consider what seeds we have sown in 2023. Paul provides some additional guidance stating that in our process of sowing, there are two places we can sow into, the flesh or spirit.

Brothers and sisters make the utmost effort to sow to the Spirit. Instead of getting so upset because somebody cut you off that you start yelling, try to cut them off and escalate a minor infraction into a more significant issue. Sow to the spirit, stay relaxed, have self-control and continue about your day. For example, as I closed yesterday, I was driving and looking for a business I had never been to, and this gentleman was very close driving behind me, revving his engine and all of this. At first, I wanted to get upset. Instead, I pulled over and let him pass and then continued to look for the place I was going.

The world we live in is full of darkness. So sow to the spirit to reap spiritual things in the end. Anger, rage, jealousy, lying, hurtful words, and so on will grow into an unwanted harvest.

As we are swiftly moving through 2023, sow good seeds so that at the end of 2023, be proud of your spiritual harvest and thank God.

God Bless, and Always Be encouraged.

1. Washington