September 23

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. — Gal 6:7 BSB

People often have careless ideas about sin. They believe they can live in disobedience to God’s commands and then, through one quick act of repentance, undo all the consequences of their sinful choices. They think that years of evil habits can be reversed in a moment, and their character transformed into one fit for heaven.

But this is not what the Bible teaches. Those who choose a life of sin must face its consequences. The fruit of sin remains in the life and becomes part of it. While other fruits can be gathered and disposed of, sin’s fruit stays and grows. Every thought, word, and action is a seed we plant in the garden of our lives. Eventually, these seeds sprout, and we must deal with their growth. One day, we may be surprised to find an ugly plant in our lives, only to realize we are the ones who planted its seed long ago.

We must remember that we will reap the harvest of the seeds we are planting today.