Galatians 6:6-10 (NIV)
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Even though Paul refused to take payment as an apostle from some congregations (notably the Corinthians) to make a point (1 Corinthians 9:3-15), he was well supplied by gifts for other Churches while he worked in the mission field (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). And here he ensures that the Churches throughout Galatia realize that they are to provide support for those who are called to teach the Church full time.
It is vital to understand that it is not a shameful thing for someone to receive monetary and other support from the Church, but that it is expected, and even mandated by God: “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14 NIV)
Before Paul ends his letter, he briefly returns to clarify and reemphasize not only the profound difference between the lives of those who live with the sinful nature in control, and those who live with the Holy Spirit in control, but their different destinies as well.
Those who live with the sinful nature in control will reap destruction, an eternity in hell. That is because serving the sinful nature is a choice. The power of the Holy Spirit is available in each Christian’s heart to enable them to stand firm, even in the midst of strong temptation (for which He ALWAYS provides a way out if we will only look for it – 1 Corinthians 10:13) so that those who consistently fall into sin are without excuse.
On the other hand, those who live with the Holy Spirit in control will reap eternal life, starting here and now as “life to the full” (John 10:10) and transitioning to life in God’s presence forever when our earthly life is over.
Since that amazing destiny awaits all who live holy lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul urges the Galatians to never become weary in doing good – not just “good deeds”, but living a genuinely holy life here and now, always doing the right thing at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reason. We can do that every day IF we continually allow the Holy Spirit to have control, to guide our steps, and if we follow His leading wholeheartedly. And those who live like that will ultimately reap a harvest of blessing and eternal life. That’s a promise!
Father, it’s a great tragedy that so many Christians feel that living such a holy life is too hard, too far beyond their abilities. But they miss the point that it is too hard and too far beyond ANYONE’s abilities. That is why You give us Your Holy Spirit to purify our hearts (Acts 15:8-9), to empower us for witness and holy living (Acts 1:8), and to literally move us from the inside to obey Your commands (Ezekiel 36:27). Thank You for this powerful blessing that will supernaturally enable us to sow to please Your Spirit, so that we can reap the harvest of eternal life in Your presence. Amen.