Chaplains Corner February 2014

“We reap what we sow” is a common saying. It is often used to tell people that there are consequences to the decisions they make. This means we should be aware of the present and future consequences of all decisions we make each day. “We reap what we sow” has its origin in the Bible. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:7-8: “Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who (choose to) live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But, those who (choose to) live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” When we intentionally choose to the live our lives by decisions that are evil, immoral, illegal, or unethical we will face the immediate consequences of spiritual decay and death in the flesh now, and eternal separation from God when we die. However, when we choose to live according to the teachings of God in the Holy Bible, our decisions are the seeds that are sown that will reap rewarding outcomes.

These outcomes reflect our walking in faith in the footsteps of Jesus Christ until we die and go to Heaven to be with God forever. In the Gospel of John 14:1-7, we are told that by choosing to follow Jesus Christ in faith, we receive the gifts of salvation (reconciliation with God) and eternal life with God in heaven. In these verses, Jesus tells his disciple Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him and have seen him!” Amen (So be it!)

“We reap what we sow.” We need to ask ourselves: where are the present and future consequences of our decisions leading us? Maybe it’s time for a change in the course of our lives.

Chapter IX Chaplain John A. Szilvasy