1 Corinthians 3:8-9 -- Harsh

1 Corinthians 3:8-9

 

NKJV

Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 

 

NLT

The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.  For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

 

As I have read these two verses over and over, trying to figure out what I’m supposed to say…it finally struck me.  I think this (for me anyway) is about what I’m planting.  The person watering and the person planting are the same, in that they are working for the same results.  But I’m more struck about what I’m planting at this moment.

 

If I’m planting sin and deceit, then it really doesn’t matter who comes behind me to “water” the field.  You might ask yourself, what does that mean, sin and deceit?  To me, it means when I know that I’m doing the wrong thing, and as a believer; on some level…you know.  Then it’s sin.  I cannot, and should not, sell it any other way. 

 

Do I tell lies, then I’m a liar and that’s sin.  Do I look at porn, then I’m an adulterer and that’s sin.  Am I living with someone outside of marriage, then I’m a fornicator and that’s sin.  The world is leading us down a road of destruction, telling us that sins like these (and rest assured there are many more) aren’t hurting anybody.  We must quit falling for the lie.  What are we planting for future generations?  A world where we have the attitude that if it feels good…just do it?  If we don’t start acting like what we plant matters, then there will be hell to pay.

 

Wow!  That seemed harsh, but I wonder if we need the harsh at times?  Let’s plant something for the person behind us to water…that they don’t have to clean up first.  Seek holiness and purity, live for God so you can love like God!

 

Harsh, but I love you.

cej