Stop Sowing The Wind

In the message "Reaping The Whirlwind" we were encouraged not to sow the wind of unbelief, because a life without faith and the saving grace of Jesus will one day reap an eternal whirlwind of fire. The message of sowing and reaping has critical application for the eternal destiny of many around the world. We must guard against those who sow seeds of false teaching which lead away from the true eternal forgiveness of Christ. But this message also has direct application for our daily walk with our Lord.

We know there are times when we face severe trials which have nothing to do with what we have sown. Jesus made this clear when He said: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). We live in a sinful world and often reap the consequences for what others have sown; and for these troubles, Jesus wants us to find our comfort in Him: "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

But we must also understand that many of our trials, and the trials of those around us, are often the result of a multitude of small steps taken outside the will of God.

Galatians 6:7
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."

It's foolish to think we can continually walk outside God's will and not face consequences down the road. God dearly loves us and is patiently waiting for us to turn our heart to Him...but God cannot be mocked. Continuous deviation from His path can lead to a long and painful time of wandering.

We must learn this lesson and clearly teach it to others: Obedience in the little things is important! There is nothing too small to justify a lack of obedience. "Whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10). We must learn and teach, very early in life, the importance of honesty and truth, the value of submission and respect for authority. The wind of disobedience begins almost imperceptibly small with "innocent" lies and "harmless" acts of disrespect, but over time it grows until the whirlwind of consequences becomes inevitable.

If we are currently reaping a whirlwind which we know has been sown by our own hands, we must repent and seek His forgiveness, love Him and obediently trust Him with ALL our heart, and ask for the strength to endure. The whirlwind will end, but only in God's perfect timing. And if we know we have been sowing the wind of disobedience and yet see God's hand restraining the whirlwind, we also must repent and seek His forgiveness, love Him and obediently trust Him with ALL our heart...and thank Him for His mercy!

Let's honor Him by only sowing that which glorifies His name. Let's closely examine our life and the lives of those within our care, and be absolutely determined to stop sowing the wind.

I am haivng trouble with this teaching. I do understand that we are responsible for what we know, and we are responsible to present the truth. However, isn't the job of God and the Holy Spirit to convict ones heart? I cannot be help responsible for others actions any more than they can be help accountable for mine. I think as Christians we have to be very careful not to be received as judging others and dictating laws and rules to be followed...that woudl be leagalistic and very unloving. I dont' think we shoud turn a blind eye when we see a brother or sister stumble or even delibertly make a choice against God's will; however I think we need to show them truth and grace, presenting what we believe with ahumble spirit, and then letting them know that although we don't necesarily approve of the acton we still love them and will not turn our back. Then continue to pray for God to convict them and give them the courage strength and vision to see what they are doing and choose to turn from it...God has the control and it's up to him to convict

Hi Deb! Thanks for writing. I agree with everything you have written. But I do not believe I've written anything which is contrary to what you have written. We absolutely must be careful with creating a list of rules for someone else to follow. It's a terrible mistake for us to create a list of "thou shalt not"'s in areas where God is silent. However, there is nothing wrong in teaching someone the importance God places on obedience. We have been set free, but that freedom is a freedom from sin which is a freedom to obey. The difficulty comes in our delivery which must release them to the guidance of the Spirit of God as to what it means to obey.

Thanks again! This is indeed a difficult subject.