Two Harvests: Galatians 6:2-10, especially vs. 8: "For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
In Galatians 5:11-21, we are sternly reminded of two very different ways one may "walk" in this life - "in ways of darkness" or "in the Spirit." Also, we know quite well from direct experience and observation that those who walk in ways of darkness, "fulfill the lust of the flesh," which becomes evident, for they produce the "works of the flesh"(Gal. 5:16,19-21).
On the other hand, we know equally well that those who choose to be led by the Spirit deliberately crucify their flesh and their passions that they may actualize the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). The two walks plainly "are contrary to one another" (Gal. 5:17) and, therefore, yield very different "fruit." Each walk ultimately produces a harvest according of its nature. In today's reading the Apostle names the two harvests, "corruption" and "eternal life" (vs. 8), and his obvious aim is that we walk in the Spirit and labor for the harvest of eternal life. To this end, he presents us with seven positive actions that lead to that blessed harvest.
First, we are to "bear one another's burdens" (vs. 2). How contrary this Apostolic rule is to the modern heresy of self-fulfillment, a way of life that minimizes a need for Church and Faith in the Lord, promoting instead independence, with little reference to others. True Apostolic Faith, of course, knows Christ in the Church, in that close-bonded family (see Gal. 4:28) in which we are children of one Father and brethren to one another (Gal. 3:28; 4:6).
Second, "each one [is to] examine his own work" and not compare himself continually to others (Gal. 6:4). Foremost, we are accountable to Christ and to our Father, as the Holy Spirit reveals the will of God to us. In Christianity, which binds our lives to our brethren, always there is a temptation to judge ourselves by the standard of others around us, rather than to struggle toward the goal which the Lord has established for us: "Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Mt. 5:48). Each one stands before his Master (Rom. 14:4). We are presumptive if we place ourselves in God's role as Judge, either of ourselves or of others.
Third, as each of us is to examine himself, so also "each one shall bear his own load" (Gal. 6:5). Let us not be burdens for others, as long as we are capable. Our Master has assigned to each one his own tasks and burdens in life. Others should not have to support us needlessly.
Fourth, concerning the case of those who serve the entire Church full-time, such as Pastors and teachers, the Apostle ordains, "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches" (vs. 6). Those who feed their brethren the "bread of the word" depend on the rest for their "daily bread." The exchange is fair and just.
Fifth, a good and godly harvest is not for those who fail to sow, cultivate, and labor in the vineyard. What if some workers come late in the day and are paid handsomely along with us (Mt. 20:1-15)? We are to fight against weariness "while doing good," and "if we do not lose heart," but persevere in the tasks assigned to us, God Himself promises, "we shall reap" (Gal. 6:9).
Sixth, "let us do good to all" (vs. 10). God does not hold us accountable for every human need in this world by this command. Rather, He sweeps away all human criteria for giving help. The Apostle's meaning in saying "to all" is the same point made in the parable of the Good Samaritan. The one to help is the one we meet on the road. He is our neighbor (Lk. 10:29).
Finally, given the kinship we have in Christ with our brethren in the Church, our first obligation in helping is to assist "those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).
O Lord, by Thy grace, may we not stand idle nor apart from the harvest while it is day.