Stop Mocking God
“[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:7-9
Even though salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for sins, many Christians are deceived that their actions don’t matter all that much. They don’t realize the impact that their daily actions and choices have on themselves and others. This thinking ultimately makes a mockery of God and His grace. Paul addresses this wrong thinking in Galatians 6:7-9 and opens this passage with a sharp warning:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
This is not a suggestion; it is a declaration of a spiritual principle that God has ordained. To mock God is to disregard His truth, thinking you can escape the consequences of your actions or somehow bear spiritual fruit without God.
The principle of sowing and reaping is simple but profound:
Whatever you plant is what you will harvest.
The things you focus on, invest in, and prioritize will bear fruit, whether good or bad.
Just like a farmer cannot plant thorns and expect wheat, we cannot sow sin and fleshly desires into our lives and expect righteousness, peace, or joy. We are warned not to deceive ourselves into thinking we are “above” this principle:
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Your choices and actions have consequences. The thoughts you entertain, the things you read and watch, the company you keep, and how you spend your time all produce fruit—either to the flesh or to the Spirit. Recognizing this truth humbles us and highlights our daily need for Christ.
Sowing to the Flesh vs. Sowing to the Spirit
Paul contrasts two types of “sowing” in verse 8: sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” – Galatians 6:8a
To sow to the flesh is to live according to our sinful nature. This can manifest in two primary ways:
Licentiousness: Following sinful desires—lust, greed, envy, or pride.
Legalism: Trusting in religious works and self-righteousness instead of God’s grace.
Both roads lead to corruption—a state of spiritual decay and ruin. Paul warns in Romans 8:6:
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
On the other hand, sowing to the flesh is contrasted with sowing to the Spirit:
“…he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” – Galatians 6:8b
To sow to the Spirit means to set your mind on spiritual things (Romans 8:5-7), walking by faith in God’s grace. It’s about investing your time and energy in the eternal, not the temporal, knowing that God brings the increase in us. Ultimately, it is redeeming the time that we have to serve Christ and not ourselves (Eph 5:16, Col 4:5). This includes:
Studying and trusting in God’s Word, which renews your mind so that you know what Christ has done for you and your new identity in Him (Rom 6:11-14, 12:1-2, 2Ti 2:15, 3:16-17, Col 3:1-3)
Praying ( Php 4:6-9)
Discourse with other believers concerning God’s truth, which sharpens, edifies, and comforts us (2Co 1:3-6, Rom 14:19, Eph 4:15-16)
Evangelizing the lost with the gospel of grace (1Ti 2:4)
What happens when you sow to the Spirit? You reap the fruit of the Spirit, life everlasting! Even though judicially we currently are saved in Christ and have a hope of eternal life, when we sow to the Spirit, we can reap the joy, peace, and fruit of that life right now.
Don’t Grow Weary: The Promise of Reaping
Paul concludes with a word of encouragement:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
Just like a farmer does not see the harvest immediately, sowing to the Spirit requires patience and perseverance. You may not see instant results, but God promises that you will reap in due season. This is an incredible promise from God that gives us hope:
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1Co 15:58).
The seeds you sow spiritually—reading the Bible, praying, sharing the gospel, showing love—will bear fruit in time if you don’t give up.
Think about the farmer: He plants, waters, and cares for his crops with the expectation of a harvest. So too, we must continue “in well doing” and trust that God will bear fruit in His time.
What Are You Sowing?
Take a moment to reflect: What are you sowing into your life right now? Are you sowing to the flesh—entertaining sin, pride, vanity, or worldliness? Or are you sowing to the Spirit—investing in God’s Word, His truth, and His will for your life?
The principle of sowing and reaping cannot be ignored or avoided. God is not mocked. If you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption. But if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap the blessings of life everlasting—both now and in eternity.
Stop deceiving yourself and stop mocking God. Start sowing in the Spirit. And don’t give up—God promises a harvest of sweet spiritual fruit in due time.
