You Can Be a Good Gardener

Pastor: Jeff Love

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🌱 Not Business As Usual

Living a Life That Grows Something Eternal

As Christians, we don’t live like everyone else. At least—we shouldn’t.Why? Because when God forgave us, He didn’t just give us a clean slate. He gave us a calling.

Ephesians 2:10 says it clearly:

“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

That means it’s not business as usual anymore.

We’ve been created anew—not to drift through life, but to do the good God dreamed up for us. That includes how we live at home, how we love others, how we speak, how we parent, how we show patience—even when it’s tough.

Because here’s a truth we all need to sit with:

🌾 What I Do Today Shapes What Happens Tomorrow

Every decision you make matters.Ever look back and thank God for a decision you made that worked out beautifully? Or wish you could go back and undo something that made a mess weeks (or years) later?

That’s the law of sowing and reaping. It’s a gardening metaphor—but the implications are spiritual, emotional, and generational.

Paul lays it out in Galatians 6:7–10.

🚫 First: Don’t Be Deceived

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7

We live in a world full of deception—but the most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves.You can convince yourself a decision won’t matter, that God’s standards are optional, that you can sow selfishness and still reap peace.

But the truth? You can’t mock God and expect no consequence. There are spiritual dominoes to every choice we make.

🌿 Second: You Get What You Give

Gardening 101: Plant tomatoes, get tomatoes. Don’t plant jalapeños if you hate spicy salsa.Same principle in life.

Want peace? Sow peace.Want kindness in your family? Be kind.Want your children to be generous? Model generosity.

The fruit you harvest later is tied to the seed you’re sowing now.

⏳ Third: You Reap Later Than You Sow

“Whoever sows to please the Spirit… will reap eternal life.” – Galatians 6:8

Most of life’s growth doesn’t happen overnight. The tomato you plant in May doesn’t feed your family in June. Patience is part of the process.

Your obedience now might not pay off tomorrow. It might not pay off until your grandkids are grown.Frank, my wife Becky’s dad, came to Christ later in life—but his decision shaped the entire legacy of his family: daughters, grandkids, and now great-grandkids walking with Jesus. That’s generational change.

📈 Fourth: You Reap More Than You Sow

“At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

You never know what your faithfulness will produce. A few seeds can feed a village. A few words can change a life. A single prayer can shift a direction.

This is why we don’t give up—even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Yes, parenting is exhausting. Yes, being kind to a difficult coworker is frustrating.But when you’re sowing in the Spirit, nothing is wasted. The work is always worth it.

🎯 So Now What? Look for the Opportunity

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” – Galatians 6:10

God hasn’t just saved you from something—He’s saved you for something.There’s someone in your life right now who needs a seed of love, encouragement, truth, or help. Don’t miss your moment.

You’ll never regret doing the right thing. But you may regret the moment you ignored the nudge.

🌟 Final Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How are the decisions I’m making right now shaping my future?

2. How are they shaping someone else’s future?

Don’t let today be business as usual. Let it be the day you start sowing for something eternal.

Because when it comes to living out your faith—it’s always planting season.