"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and showers righteousness on you."
At first glance this verse feels something like a "works unto salvation" doctrine but, in actuality it's not...
The Amplified version states it this way:
" Sow for yourselves ACCORDING to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap ACCORDING to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of him and to require his favor, till he comes and teaches you righteousness and rains his righteous gift of salvation upon you."
This verse is about active participation -a surrendered; passionate pursuit of the Living God. Fully aligning ourselves with His intentions. Digging into His very heart and walking out His word in obedience... it is the essence of who we are as believers.
Recognizing,first, that it is He alone -through Jesus- at work within us that accomplishes anything of righteousness. God is the initiator and power source from which all righteousness comes:
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." - Phil. 2:13
"And [God] who provides seed for the sower and bread for the eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]." - 2 Corinthians 9:10
Don't miss the "-through Jesus-"part (its key)...
The Scripture says: " God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21
It also says... "[God] who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,..." - 2 Timothy 1:9
So, Father God, through Jesus, sealed our righteousness and we must respond to that by actively participating with Him in the process of becoming holy as he is holy...living a life and lifestyle that brings glory to Him in every way.
Seeking His kingdom(Matt. 6:33; Isa. 55:6; Amos 5:4), setting ourselves apart(1 Thes. 4:7) in our choices, attitudes and the way we relate to others- always being mindful that the way we conduct ourselves is a reflection to those who observe us...
we are a living map...WE WILL; through the purest most subtle example of our lives either lead people into God's presence or the polar opposite.
SOW right living so, that what you reap will produce life in you and others...
BREAK UP your unplowed ground- ready your heart and mind -be hearers and doers of the word...[be careful what you allow as influence in your life]
SEEK the heart of God -he desires genuine ; on-going relationship...
And as you do this you will begin to see the Righteousness of God shine through your life and spill out onto others...
Colossians 1:19, James 3:13
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