The struggle is real. We are once again facing unprecedented events, although after 2020 that word has lost its meaning, I’m thinking. The immense pressure in the world, and in the atmosphere, is driving people to a breaking point. It’s affecting people on every side of the issues, in our communities, and probably even in our own families. As this pressure continues to build, it’s no wonder people are so triggered! They are scared, angry, insecure and incredibly frustrated. And many are not responding well. 

It’s easy for us in this moment to judge, criticize and demean whichever group we feel is currently to blame. Maybe it gives us a bit of security or control. But I felt the Holy Spirit bring a pretty strong word on this issue: whatever you are releasing, you are also inviting. Hear me, friend, we cannot expect good, positive, joyful results from throwing negativity around. It doesn’t matter that everyone is joining in, or that you feel justified or right. It doesn’t. If you sow judgment, you will reap it. 

Maybe that’s why the enemy wants to tempt us to engage in these things, because he knows it will be multiplied back to us. I mean, there isn’t a lot of room for interpretation in Matthew 7:2: For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. It may seem harmful or benign; I mean, there is a lot to process, and talk about, and complain about. I get it. But we can’t be naive about this or pretend that this will have no affect on our lives. 

I know this isn’t a new message, friend. But it is an important one, and a timely one.

Consider Galatians 6:9-11: Make no mistake about it, God will never be mocked! For what you plant will always be the very thing you harvest. The harvest you reap reveals the seed that was planted. If you plant the corrupt seeds of self – life into this natural realm, you can expect to experience a harvest of corruption. If you plant the good seeds of Spirit-life you will reap the beautiful fruits that grow from the everlasting life of the Spirit. And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming! Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others.

We are not subject to the ugliness in the world. If we resist it, and plant “good seeds,” God promises we will reap something beautiful, lovely and joyful instead. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough ugliness for one year. Let’s choose to plant something different…