Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

The Bible has a lot to say about sowing and reaping, which is hardly surprising considering that the whole world was essentially agrarian at the time it was written. In today’s industrialized society, many people don’t relate so well to the image of putting seed in or on the ground, supplying the necessary water, waiting the necessary time, and then collecting the harvest. We think of popping frozen food into the microwave, pushing a button, and a few minutes later having something hot to eat! Few things in nature have the instant results we are used to demanding. Thinking about this verse, “sowing righteousness” doesn’t present a clear picture to many people today. The image is of someone consistently being and doing good. The results aren’t immediately obvious, but this verse – and the rest of the Bible – says they are sure. An evil person, on the other hand, might get faster results, but they are deceptive. For example, a robbery puts material wealth into their hands immediately, but when the law catches up with them, they pay dearly. Actually, robbery might not be the best example, though it is true enough, because most people aren’t as openly evil as that. Any active sin gives us at least a momentary payback, or we wouldn’t do it. Any passive sin seems to relieve us of pressure or responsibility, or we wouldn’t fail to do the right thing. However, those “benefits” are entirely illusory, and as Paul says so clearly in Galatians 6:8, “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.”

I am as human as anyone else, which means that temptations to sin of all sorts are very much part of my life. I’ve got to remember the principle I’ve just stated, and be consistent in sowing righteousness. I am to leave the harvest in God’s hands, trusting that it is sure, just as this verse says. I like instant results as well as anyone! I need to be willing to put in the work of plowing, planting, and watering, so that the harvest may be as bountiful as God intends, and not illusory.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me exercise that patience toward the tasks and the people You assign to me. May I not go for the “quick fix,” but for Your sure harvest, even if in the short term that means more work. May Your Name be hallowed and Your kingdom come as Your will is done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!