RIPE FOR HARVEST

In the last two days I have spoken to two farming people who are already into full harvest mode! It seemed like yesterday people were just planting and already the plants have grown and matured and now are ready to be brought in from the fields.  It never ever ceases to amaze me at how this miraculous pattern repeats itself each year.  People plant something in spring and in a few short months it has become ready to be harvested.  Did you know that the Bible is full of harvest metaphors?  Jesus says in John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” St Paul gives us these great and encouraging words; “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)  James, the brother of Jesus says; “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18).  The verses in Hebrews (12:11) are words that have been on my heart a lot these days. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  God’s word regularly and gently reminds, even warns all people that everyday we are also in the planting and harvesting business. No, it may not be crops we are planting and harvesting but behavior, actions, character and attitudes.  The really important things of who a person is.  Paul says to the Galatian people “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Such a similar idea to what was said to the Hebrew people.  That if we allow discipline when it comes into our lives and submit to it, we will reap “righteousness and peace”.  Righteousness basically means that we will live “properly” or with correct behavior.   Unrighteous acting usually gets us into trouble of all kinds and does not bring much peace or joy.   We see everyday examples of people who are deeply affected by the unrighteous actions of others as well as the guilt that comes from our own poor choices. Yet we can daily affect our actions by what we are “sowing” or planting into our lives.  Paul says that if we sow to please our sinful nature our harvest will be destruction.  So are you taking stock of what you are planting into your life on a daily basis? Are you noticing what you are sowing into the people around you (friends and family?).  Please know that this truth is a life truth and even if you are not or do not choose to be a follower of Christ it is still true.  Guard what you are planting into your life and of those who you know and love.  Those little seeds of life or of death will have profound affect on whom you will become as you age.  One more thing, even thought the principle of planting and harvesting is true if you follow Christ or not, the LORD has promised His powerful help to us if we want to plant good seed!  In fact He sent His Spirit to us, if we want it, to product a harvest of amazing things… love, joy, peace and much more (Gal. 5:22).  If that is the harvest you want for your life, take a minute right now and ask for His help.  He has promised to answer you when you speak to him.  So as you see the harvest come in from the fields this fall, remember to think of the harvest that will be produced from your life and plant with care.