For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. – Galatians 6:8

Anything and everything we do apart from Christ, apart from God, and apart from the Spirit separates us from the presence and relationship with God.

As a married man, anything that I do apart from my wife separates our bond and my relationship to her. Any thought I entertain, any action I take should be carefully thought about in that regard. To safeguard our relationship, and to further grow our bond should be my sole aim.

That is why we must sow into the Spirit. We must continually increase that relationship. We must guard that relationship, guarding our hearts from sin, enjoying and desiring righteousness. In Galatians 5, verse 22, the fruits of the Spirit our laid out.

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.

It is not possible to reap fruits without first sowing. There’s another unstated step in between those also. Cultivation. To enjoy the fruits of a tree, the seed must be sown, and the tree cultivated, cared for, time spent ensuring it doesn’t succumb to bad soil, withering for lack of water, etc. We must spend time growing our relationship with the Spirit!

Lord, I thank you for everything you’ve done in my life and those around me. All the blessings you’ve given us, especially in our times of despair and need. You alone are powerful, holy, and grant life where there was only death. Please help me to continue in the Spirit, seeking righteousness and dismissing temptations of the flesh. Help me to seek your heart and desire to grow your kingdom and reach others for your glory. Amen.