“We reap what we sow regardless of intent. The seeds can be knocked out of your hand accidentally, but they grow where they fall just the same.”- Kyle Idleman
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”- Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 9 of Don’t Give Up as he talks about times it’s appropriate to say ‘accidents happen’ and times it’s not. One notable inappropriate time: When you reach the end of your life and attempt to explain parts of your existence. Therefore, Pastor Idleman exhorts, select carefully and plant intentionally.
Yet, grooves form below our feet when we run the same old path over and over again. Because, over time, repeated actions create an orderly pattern. And we mire ourselves in this orderly pattern. Consequently, when we finally try to get out, we find the effort too difficult. As a result, we give up.
Thus, we find the old habits set in our physical or spiritual muscle memory hard to break. However, Kyle encourages:
“God never chooses a used groove in your life. He marks out a whole new course. We have to be intentional about keeping his play at the forefront of our thinking, so spiritual ‘muscle memory’ never eases us off course. It’s so easy to fall into old patterns and mistake their comfort for what we should be doing.”
In conclusion, Kyle offers words of advice given by a friend of his who works as a personal trainer. When you struggle to break old habits, keep commitments, or feel like giving up, he tells them only three words: Just show up.
Today’s question: Consider Kyle’s observation that you reap what you sow, regardless of intent. How does that help your focus on sowing to please the Holy Spirit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Courage falters when we shift from Jesus”
