Have you ever been with a person who overflows with joy? It's apparent on their face, in their speech, and it spills over to the people around them. It’s not a giddy happiness, but a deep contentment. Most of the people I personally know with this trait have been through some REALLY tough circumstances. Their joy is rooted so deeply within, the small things don’t seem to bother them.
In contrast, I think we can all think of the “dark cloud” people. Those who remind you of the old Peanut’s character, Pig Pen. A swirl of unhappiness just follows them around. This kind of attitude can be contagious too!
Galatians 6:7-8 brings up the idea of sowing and reaping. A lot of us in the church have been directed to these verses with regard to our tithes and offerings. And while I think there’s value in that line of thinking, I think the richness of these verses lies in verse 8.
"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."
We know the fruit of living in the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How amazing it is to think of these things in terms of sowing and reaping. Sowing love and joy and reaping ETERNAL LIFE! And better yet, when we live in this way it overflows to the people around us. Sowing seeds of the Spirit- one of the greatest joys of our walk with Jesus.
Some questions to think about today:
1. Would the people around me describe me as overflowing in good things (love, joy, peace, etc.)?
2. Would the people around me describe me as a “Pig Pen” or “Debbie Downer?”
3. What is one thing I can do today to sow a seed of the Spirit?