Barrett Vanlandingham
Fort Faith
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Both of the small corn patches in my backyard were beginning to look more than a little suspect. So, I went ahead and picked'em, boiled'em, and served'em to my family over the weekend with some peppers, onions, green beans, and some leftover pork.
There weren't many kernels, but at least it was good and sweet, just the way an ear of peaches and cream corn should be.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
All in all, the gardening project wasn't too embarrassing of an outcome for a group of novices.
In fact, I felt that my efforts and those of my kids probably reaped about as much as we sowed.
Not that we can ever earn God's grace, but sometimes it is easy to forget that spiritual rewards do not come without effort.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Anyone who doesn't think spiritual rewards involve some work on our part hasn't read Ephesians 6:10-12.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
That definitely sounds like to me that spiritual warfare is no walk in the park.
Of course, Christians can do battle with the devil all day long and still not be deserving of a home in heaven. It is only by God's grace that we will ever hear words such as these from Matthew 25:21.
“His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
Ephesians 2:4 reminds us that God's grace is what allows us to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.
The only question remaining is this: What will you do with the open door God has given you?
Let's all enjoy God's richest blessings this week, and remember that he is the giver of all good things.
Reach Barrett Vanlandingham at Fort Gibson Church of Christ, 478-2222 or ftgcoc_barrett@sbcglobal.net.
