In Paul’s last chapter to the Galatians he tells the church they will harvest what they plant. It seems like an obvious truth. If you plant corn, you will get corn. You don’t plant corn and hope for eggplant. Let’s be honest, no one ever hopes for eggplant. Ever.
Perhaps the truth is obvious because Paul explains it well or because it’s in a metaphor we understand. I wonder how many times we live in contradiction to this truth. For example, how many times have we prayed and asked God to bless the processed fast food that sits before us. Do we truly believe God will make it “nutritious to our bodies” or is that just our habit kicking in? That’s an easy example. But about the times when we avoid dealing with problem areas of our life hoping it will all work out?
This is exactly what Paul is talking about. A few verses later, Paul says if you live by the flesh we “will harvest decay” (Gal. 6.8). The answer is to look at what we have planted below the surface of our lives. We must plant inside of us the things that God wants (vs 9). And in our patience and endurance and the result will be a huge blessing (vs 9).
Take a moment to scan what’s planted in your life. Are you expecting different results from the thoughts and habits you currently have? What‘s one thing you can upgrade in your life that is currently just pleasing you and can be altered to please God?