Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 KJV

This statement clarifies the truth of God’s righteousness. Although the Lord extends forgiveness for sins by his grace, Christians should live in obedience to the word and will of God. Calling us to repentance, the same God who is faithful and just to forgive our trespasses remains eternally opposed to sin. If we continue in our sins, we will suffer the consequences of our sinful behavior. 

God is not mocked. But what does it mean to mock someone or something? To mock is to tease or treat with contempt. If we scornfully discount the goodness of God’s forgiveness and continue to sin, we make a mockery of the sacrifice Jesus made to pay for our sins. Further, we treat the gift of salvation by the grace of God without the seriousness of a truly repentant person who genuinely believes in God.

We Reap What We Sow

To mock has another meaning. It can mean “not authentic or not real.” And so, Paul warns his readers against deceiving themselves. This warning is for those who choose to continue in sinful lifestyles. Although God forgives repentant sinners, he does not suspend the consequences for those who continue to sin. The faithful take God’s commandments seriously. Genuine believers understand the importance of showing reverence and obedience to God who created all things and established the consequences for our behavior.

Paul intends to convey the seriousness of the consequences of sin. As he writes in Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. KJV” Saved by the blood of Christ, if we continue in sin, we mock God. But as we have read, God is not mocked. Whether we sow to flesh in sin or to the Spirit, we have the assurance of God’s holy word that we reap what we sow.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Son of God