And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
I’m ready for the reaping part of this verse…. What? You think that I need to define reaping? Well, I can do that.
- I so look forward to the day when all my children can buckle up by themselves.
- I can barely imagine the excitement of being able to leave all the children at home while I run an errand.
- Even more exciting is to spend a family vacation without worrying about my children drowning or falling headfirst into the rocks, and reading a new book instead of entertaining them.
- And I really am looking forward to seeing the fruits of the constant repetition about obedience and sharing.
That is what I’m working for, right? For when my children are spiritually mature, making right choices and leading a new family in the ways of the Lord? When I no longer have to repeat myself? When I no longer agonize over their decisions? That’s coming soon, right? That’s my reward?
Uh. A friend recently reminded me that, while there is truly no greater joy than seeing our children walk in God’s truth, that is not our reward. Our decisions to put God first, to obey God’s commands, to teach our children His ways result in heavenly treasure, not earthly ease.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Every once in awhile, God’s Word stuns me into realizing I’ve had some worldly thinking, and living for the day when my children become “easy” is an example. Isn’t that what the world wants? What if my children die before they reach that point of maturity? Have I wasted the time spent with them? Of course not, because I’m not working so that my children will grow up and “do me proud.” I’m not even working so that my children love God (although I truly desire this end). I must faithfully obey God’s Word because it is right, regardless of the end result.