Do Not Be Deceived - You Reap What You Sow

The final text we find expressed, "Do not be deceived," is found in Galatians 6:7. "Be not deceived: God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that will he also reap." The consequences of our actions are clearly given in this passage. For every action we engage, there will be a reaction. God's warning is very clear: "Do not be deceived!"

If we are drawn away to serve "other gods" we will reap what we sow. God is not mocked by our attitudes of seeking after the things of this world. When our lives are consumed by the pursuit of worldly possessions, fame, fortune, pleasures - we will reap what we sow. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) In death, none of those things we sought after will avail us any value. The only thing of value is the importance of the soul. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." (1 John 2:15-17)

If we are deceived to follow any other man than Jesus Christ, we will reap what we sow. Men have always faltered under the leadership of other men. There were many who called themselves the "Christ." Gamaliel pointed out to the council in Acts 5 that "Theudas" and "Judas of Galilee" gathered followers about them but to no avail. (Acts 5:36-39) We see in the teachings of men the nature of error. From the Pope, Joseph Smith, Oral Roberts, religious councils and such like that men are teaching doctrines that are foreign from the truth of God's word. There is only one truth and that is the word of God. The edicts from Rome, the Book of Mormon, the persuasion of zealots and dogmas of religious councils blaspheme the word of God. Do not be deceived. Men reap what they sow when they follow men. "Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?" (Luke 6:39) The blind who follows the blind will reap what is sown in the darkness of error.

Sin has the same impact! Regardless of what men teach, sin is sin! Religious movements today have accepted homosexuality but God said, "Do not be deceived!" 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 and Galatians 5:16-21 show that the sowing of sin will keep one from the kingdom of God. It matters not what the council of men say. God calls it sin. Religious movements and our society in general suffer from the attitudes planted that sin is not sin. "They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:8) "For they have sown the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind." (Hosea 8:7)

How many lives have suffered because of the lack of concern over the type of companions kept? If you run with the dogs, you will be considered a dog. If you allow evil companions to influence your life, you will suffer what you have sown. God's word warns against keeping the wrong company and the consequences of such. "Be not deceived: evil companions corrupt good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33) To disregard this is to sow the seeds of destruction and reap the world of sorrow.

The word "mock" means "to turn up the nose or sneer at." Men turn their noses up at God and believe they can live any way they desire. It will be very hard to turn the nose up in the day of judgment when the knee is bowed before the great "I AM." (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10) "Be not deceived: God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that will he also reap."

By Kent E. Heaton Sr

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