Genesis 30-31

Today's reading reminded me of the fact that so often we reap exactly what we sow. Laban dealt deceptively with Jacob to become rich and then (with the magical power of the rods... can't say I understand the effects of poplar on reproduction!) Jacob "steals" all the gains for his family, in effect plundering Laban of his prosperity so that Laban says in the end, "Everything that you have is mine, but I can't do anything about it." (Loose paraphrase)

We all at some point have probably done this. I'm not talking specifically about stealing sheep, but using impure means and situations to accomplish our own personal success. Sometimes they don't come back and bite us. We get away with it. Everything works out just as we had masterfully devised. But then there are other times when we get stung bad. It comes back to bite us and everything seems to be against us. These are typically the ones that are easiest to remember.

We must be very careful what we are sowing. If we are pursuing gains in a manner that doesn't glorify and honor God it may turn out hurting not only ourselves, but often our family and always are relationship with Christ. Can you think of anything right now that you are doing that could be seen as deceptive or in your self interests over and above others? Pray that God would give you the strength to walk away from or come clean concerning any web of impropriety in which you might currently be involved.

But not only that, we must also be very careful what we are sowing... (yes I already said that). We must be careful to sow seeds of Christ in others' lives. For if they are nonbelievers, our hope and prayer is that one day they might receive that offer we took part in implanting and nurturing in them through testimony and action. We must be actively reaching out to those around us if we ever expect to be reaping in the lost who might come to the gospel. Even more, for those of us in the faith, we also must seek to sow seeds of mutual love and respect for one another, not so that one day we may be able to exploit a friendship for a favor, but that we might encourage every believer with truth as we walk together in Christ. By this, Jesus says the world might know that we are His disciples, when we love one another, that even the world may see our good works and praise the Father in heaven.

Sometimes we actively sow, other times we don't even realize it. Sometimes we sow for good and other times in deception. The story of Jacob and Laban reminds us that we should always be careful of how we conduct ourselves in our dealings with others. Think about something you can do even today that would actively and positively sow a seed of grace in some one's life. Now, do it!