September 21, 2011

SOW IN LIFE, REAP IN ETERNITY

By J. C. Ryle

We must never forget, that every one of us, while we live, are in a state of probation. We are constantly sowing seeds that will spring up and bear fruit, every day and every hour in our lives. There are eternal consequences resulting from all our thoughts, words and actions, of which we pay too little attention to. "Men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). Our thoughts are all numbered; our actions are weighed. No wonder that Paul says, "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" (Galatians 6:8). In a word, what we sow in life we will reap after death, and reap throughout all eternity.

~ J.C. Ryle