Our choices affect others

My ankles are itching.  It is annoying, I don’t know when or how, but my ankles were assaulted by mosquitos.  These mosquitos were able to extract a full measure of blood and leave my ankles wanting daily attention.  I have shown some restraint, but my ankles are still itchy.

I know what you are about to say, “Just go get an itch stick, or Benadryl, or anything!”  I know that I should, but there is always something else going on when I think about how itchy my ankles are.  Then I get home from the long day of ministry, and I don’t want to go out anymore when I remember or feel how much my ankles itch.  I chose willpower over going to the store, but I am getting close to losing the battle of not itching my ankles.

I know what I should do, but I am not doing it.  I think that if I wait long enough the itching will go away on its own.  The effects of the mosquitos can’t last forever, but then again, they are lasting long enough.  A lot of times we don’t think about the effects of our actions or inaction, rather we hope they won’t bother us too much.  Isn’t that the case with a lot of things in life?  We don’t slow down to think through the implications of our choices and how those choices affect our future.

Galatians 6 reminds us that the choices we make have implications in this world and for all eternity.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.8 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.9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The choices we make in this world affect every aspect of our lives.  If we are mean, hateful, or bitter in our interactions with others we get broken relationships, sour dispositions, and end up questioning and blaming God for our life situation.  If we demonstrate love, show compassion, and practice mercy we will receive a rich reward in heaven and produce a harvest that is a blessing.

How can we sow and reap the blessings God has for us?  We can do so by doing good, it is our willful choice.  We must choose to do the good that God has in front of us and allow Him to be concerned about the harvest.  He is at work in the choices we have to make, and our choices reflect on the faith we have in God as well as who God is to us.

Let us continue to do good, don’t give up doing it.  Make the choice to follow God and not our sinful nature.  Sometimes we need to be reminded that when everything is annoying and painful, don’t lash out at others and whatever you do, don’t itch the mosquito bites.