The Bible is clear – we reap what we sow. But it is also clear that most people don’t believe that. They frequently violate God’s will without expecting a harvest. They disobey God regularly yet expect to be exempt from the consequences. I know that’s true because they are so quick to complain about their problems – problems brought about by their own actions.
That’s not to say that every problem is caused by an act of sin on their part. Some trials are preventive rather than corrective. But there is no doubt about the fact that we cannot sin successfully. We reap what we sow. And we all sin enough that we would literally destroy ourselves were it not for the grace of God. It is pride that causes us to think we deserve more, bigger, and better. That’s why we feel we’re being treated unfairly when troubles arise. We think we deserve God’s goodness and don’t deserve His punishment, but we are wrong on both counts. The truth is, we don’t deserve anything but His wrath. We murmur as though we have a legitimate complaint, but we don’t. Such people aren’t really convinced that they would go to hell if they got what they deserved. Then we wonder why the world is as it is.
Since the Bible commands contentment (Heb. 13:5) that tells us we deserve what we’re getting, or there would be cause for complaint. It is the expectation of things we don’t deserve that causes us to get bent out of shape when we don’t get our desires. The world tells us we ought to think more of ourselves, but the word of God says we ought to think of ourselves less. The only solution to our self-obsession is humility – something we all lack to some degree.
Here’s the truth. We don’t deserve blessing and we don’t deserve to be happy, although God desires both for us. God makes happiness possible, but it isn’t deserved. All our blessings are due to God’s grace and since that’s true it is proof that we are undeserving, or else there would be no grace. And if we don’t deserve anything but wrath we shouldn’t complain about anything. God does no wrong (Job 34:10-11). Whatever bad thing that happens to us is well deserved.
Preachers say, “If we got what we deserved we would all be in hell” and everyone says, “Amen”, but their attitude proves they don’t really believe that. They knowingly break God’s laws and expect no repercussions from it. They flaunt their rebellion in the face of God and expect Him to ignore it. So instead of groaning about not getting what you think you deserve you ought to be grateful that you aren’t getting what you do deserve.
Just as it is said of Israel that she destroyed herself we do the same. Sin of any sort is a destructive force. Every unconfessed sin is an open door to suffering and sorrow. Until that door is closed by confession you are in danger. The truth is that not even confession will allow us to eliminate the consequences of every sin. Sometimes we do things that we can’t undo. Beware! You reap what you sow. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
