"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  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.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  (Gal 6:7-10)

We hear and read all kinds of interpretations on verses to do with sowing and reaping, some of which are dubious to say the least!  God can never be seen as a magic wand to wave at our beck and call to provide us with the latest gizmo or fad.  But scripture does encourage us to be caring, loving, responsive to the needs of others.  We should never give with the expectation that we will receive a greater financial reward than we just gave.  That is no motivation for giving or helping.  Jesus gave to all who needed, not to gain something in return but because He loved them.  It is a joy to know we can’t outgive God in anything but it would be wrong for that to be the driving force behind our good deeds.  Often the greatest reward is simply in the giving or doing for others, isn’t that so?
 

I read a story the other day about nine young runners at the Special Olympics.  They all assembled at the starting line for the one-hundred yards dash, all excited about the prospect of running the race and winning.  All that is except one boy who stumbled on the track, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry.  When the other eight contestants heard the boy cry, they slowed down and looked back.  Then they all turned around and went back to where he’d fallen.  Every one of them.  One girl with Down syndrome bent down, kissed him, and said, “This will make it better.”  Then all nine children, linked arms and walked across the finish line together.  Everyone in the stadium stood and cheered.

The thing that stirs us most with such a story as this is the basic instict within these competitors to rise up as a unit to tend to the well being of another competitor.  Suddenly, the need to win was surpassed by the desire to care.  To live by the Spirit is our desire and to care for others is our lifes work, don’t you think?