INVESTING IN SPIRITUAL REALITIES
When I talk about investment, I mean the transaction that goes on in relation to every man's life's affairs, interests and concerns. In other words, sowing effect applies both to Christians and to unbelievers. Investment has to do with making profit and today we are going to observe the best way to reap or make lasting profits in regard to our investments in the realm of time.
Reference: Galatians 6:8 New King James Version (NKJV) '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.'
In this Scripture, Paul was clarifying the principle of sowing and reaping, in the context of the Spirit of God. Sowing to the flesh means, 'investing in the natural to satisfy carnal desires'. Sowing to the Spirit simply means 'investing in spiritual things'. Both investments have results but their outcomes are not the same.
When you live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, your mind will be readily focused and set on the things of the Spirit, and you'll easily give up worldly substance in order to promote spiritual things. When you are immediately concerned with encouraging the ministry of the Word, supporting the interest of the spiritual, contributing to the spread of the Gospel, and practising Kingdom principles and ordinances, it shows you're mindful of Spiritual realities and you're investing wisely.
Those whose concerns are worldly-based are more interested in earthly reward and gratification. And this refers to those who mainly indulge in sensual appetites, to the point of neglecting of their own soul. The Bible says, 'they will reap corruption'. The word, 'corruption' is the Greek word, 'Phthora' and it means destruction or what is perishable. It means something that is temporary or subject to decay.
Worldly investments can only last in the realm of time and that means, the whole harvest of sensuality in this world and the world to come, is degradation and ruin. No wonder the Bible says, 'For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' (Mark 8:36 KJV). Here again, Jesus was talking about making profit.
The second term used in our referenced Scripture, 'everlasting life' is the Greek word, 'Zoe' and its the very life of God. Its a life that has no end; it is imperishable, unlimited and indestructible. So when you sow to the Spirit, you shall of the Spirit reap everlasting rewards, as the result of following the leadings of the Spirit.
Temporary results come as a result of sowing to the flesh and they are subject to ruin and destruction, but everlasting results are indestructible, unending, unlimited, and of a higher life. Therefore, learn to invest in spiritual realities because you will reap unending success.
This does not mean you cannot invest in body beautifiers and material things. Certainly we do so because we live in the material world. However, as Christians, we should be more focused on investing in spiritual beautifiers that edify and bring unending beauty and lasting results (see John 6:27 AMPC).
If you only invest in physical or temporal stuffs, all your results will be temporary. But as you invest in earthly success which is temporal, learn to invest more in spiritual success which is eternal by putting your time and resources in the work of God.
Scripture Reading - Psalm 126:5-6; Matthew 19:29; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Romans 8:13; Galatians 6:7.
Guided Prayer: Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me your Word and imparting your truth to my spirit. I rejoice today, knowing that eternal life and results are only available through the power of your Spirit. I therefore stand justified in your presence, sowing and investing in divine realities and gathering fruit of eternal life and righteousness. By my spiritual investments, I'm ushered into the transcendent life on the strength of your Spirit, where I reign and rule with Christ forever, in Jesus' Name, Amen!