The universe operates under natural laws, with gravity being one of the most well-known. The law of gravity explains that all objects in the universe attract one another with a force proportional to the product of their masses (Webster's Dictionary online). For example, I often think of an apple falling from a tree or things I drop daily. These objects fall downward, not upward, because Earth's gravitational pull consistently pulls toward its center.
Spiritual laws also exist, and lately I've been reflecting on the law of sowing and reaping. For many of us, including myself, an important truth is that we reap what we sow. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Others might liken that to the saying “what goes around comes around.”
I remember planting what I believed were cantaloupe seeds in my garden one spring. The package clearly indicated them as cantaloupes, and I expected to harvest ripe cantaloupes in late summer. However, somehow the label was mistaken, and I ended up growing cucumbers instead! Honestly, even though the label was wrong, it is both a natural and spiritual law that the seeds we plant in this life will determine what we reap, regardless of appearances. Galatians also speaks to this spiritual truth, stating, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life" (Galatians 6:8).
What does this mean? Essentially, if we live solely to satisfy ourselves in a worldly, self-centered way, we risk a harmful, corrupt outcome. Galatians 5:19-21 elaborates on this by listing works of the flesh like adultery, fornication, discord, and jealousy, among others. When we act contrary to God's Word and the Holy Spirit, we are sowing these "seeds." These seeds lead to a corrupt life, lacking the joy and peace that come from God.
However, if we possess the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, these “seeds” will enable us to live and walk in the Spirit.
If we have the fruit of the Spirit—including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control—these “seeds” will empower us to live by the Spirit. Additionally, the fruit of the Spirit will help us “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9 KJV).
Many God-fearing parents understand these truths. I know that my husband and I had the sole desire to raise godly seed through our child-rearing years. Many prayers, many tears have gone up before the Lord on behalf of our children. We sought with all our efforts to raise them in the fear of the Lord. I am sure many of you can identify with those sentiments. We should remember that “Youth is the sowing time, and the words and deeds of the early life are like seeds that will germinate and produce a harvest after their kind. Then why not sow seeds [the fruit of the Spirit] of kindness, of love, of faith, of patience, of self-denial, and true benevolence, and keep all your passions under control? Such sowing will produce a harvest after its kind. Let every word and deed be a seed that will result in good fruit. If you seek the help and grace of God, the Holy Spirit will take possession of mind and character, and work in you that which you can work out with all safety to yourself, and with all benefit to others. You will show that you love God supremely, and your neighbor as yourself. What more desirable work could you do, what could be more satisfactory to yourself, than to know that you are a blessing to your fellow men? Under the dictation of the Holy Spirit, you may be a laborer together with God in uplifting humanity. The atmosphere that surrounds your soul will be of a pure, healthful character.”
Sadly, planting the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit depends on personal choice, and the reality is that we cannot prevent others from facing the consequences of their actions. Consequences are an unavoidable part of the decisions we make. It is natural for us to want to “save” others, especially our children or loved ones, from the consequences of their poor choices. But we cannot stand in the place of another’s conscience, nor can we stand in the place of God. Regardless of the results, whom the Lord loves, He chastens (Hebrews 12:6). Because He loves us, He disciplines us. Because He loves us, He gives us the free will to sow the seeds we choose in life, and in mercy He uses the consequences to correct us, purify us, and grow us. Let's remember that: "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).
Call to Action
Would you join me in prayer today, asking for the Holy Spirit to sow seeds in our lives so we’ll reap fruit that leads to eternal life?
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Ellen G. White, The Youth’s Instructor, September 26, 1895, par. 1-2
- Webster-Dictionary. In Webster-Dictionary.org. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from webster-dictionary.org/definition/gravity
