Sowing in the field of the Spirit
by Liz Griffin
As part of his letter to the Galatians, about Spirit controlled living, the Apostle Paul goes on to teach about sowing and reaping. There are clear responsibilities for a mature Christian to sow in the field of the Spirit.
How can we do this kind of sowing? Firstly, Paul says we must help our fellow Christians if they fall from grace. But it's important to do it gently. That's what Paul calls 'helping to carry one another's burdens' in Galatians 6:1-2.
But then we must test our own hearts. Do we really have that spirit of gentleness in relationships referred to in Galatians 6:1 or have we become too self important? Have we done what's right before God? The apostle Paul is talking of our responsibility to examine ourselves. I believe this is what he means by 'Each one should judge his own conduct. If it is good , then he can be proud of what he himself has done... for everyone has to carry his own load.' Galatians 6:4-5,GNB.
Another important way of sowing in the field of the Spirit is fulfilling our duty to share material goods with those who teach us the Christian message. Apart from that, we're to do good to everyone whenever we have the chance, and particularly to other Christian brothers and sisters.
I was very impressed by hearing of a church which has decided to pay for a house to be built for a single mum in their congregation. She's a committed member of their spiritual family and they're looking after her. Isn't that sowing in the field of the Spirit? They will certainly reap a harvest in eternity.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me if I've become careless and lazy about sowing good seeds in Your Kingdom. Help me to be a good steward of my material resources and give to others in a way that pleases You. Help me to bless my brothers and sisters in the faith in any way I can. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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