Barbra Gentry-Pugh

“God’s Justice: What You Plant, You Harvest”

January 12, 2025

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB)

In a world where truth is often twisted and consequences seem delayed, the words penned by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” remind us of God’s unwavering justice. While people may often attempt to live as though their actions carry no eternal weight, this verse assures us that nothing escapes God’s notice. He is not mocked!

The principle of sowing and reaping reflects both God’s justice and His mercy. If we sow the sin-seeds of selfishness, indifference, or disobedience, we can expect the harvest of pain, regret, and spiritual decay. However, if we sow to the Spirit, walk in obedience to God’s Word, and show kindness compassion, faith, and God’s Truth – we will reap the blessings of a life aligned with God’s will and ultimately, eternal life.

Sometimes, it appears as if those who mock God prosper while those who serve Him suffer. But this perception is short-sighted. God operates on His timing and justice. He operates on an eternal scale. His patience is not a sign of indifference but an act of mercy, giving everyone an opportunity to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of that truth, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” (NLT)

I love this comforting truth – that God’s justice is always paired with His grace. Even if we’ve sown poorly in the past, we can turn to Him. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can begin sowing seeds that produce the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (NASB)

The original Greek Word ἐμπαίζω used in the New Testament is a verb which means to describe the act of mocking or ridiculing someone, often in a scornful or contemptuous manner. To mock God is to disrespect, dishonor, or ignore Him. It is a serious offense committed by those who have no fear of God or who deny His existence. This term is often used in the context of the suffering and humiliation of Jesus Christ, highlighting the contempt and rejection He faced.

Understanding the depth of μυκτηρίζω or it’s transliteration empaizó reminds us that mocking, or efforts whether of God or others, is not merely an outward action but reflects an inward attitude of pride, intentional dishonoring of someone, undermining their value or authority, manipulation, scorn, or rebellion. In the biblical sense, mocking God carries the grave consequence of ignoring His justice and sovereignty. It conveys a sense of contempt and is typically directed towards individuals who are being belittled or scorned. It carries a moral or spiritual implication, especially when directed toward God, as it reflects arrogance or disbelief.

So, What does it Mean That God is Not Mocked?

The statement “God is not mocked” comes from Galatians 6:7, which says: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”This verse expresses a profound truth about who God is! It tells us about His nature, justice, and sovereignty and what it means!

God’s Sovereignty and Holiness. To “mock” God means to treat Him with disrespect, contempt, or irreverence, as though His Word, commands, or nature can be disregarded or treated lightly. This verse declares that no one can deceive or outsmart God. He is sovereign, all-knowing, and holy. Nothing can be done – no human actions, attitudes, or attempts to duck His principles cannot diminish who He is.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping. The principle of sowing and reaping in this passage emphasizes a universal principle: the actions (sowing) of a person lead to corresponding consequences (reaping). Just as a farmer reaps what he sows in the field, our choices, whether good or bad, yield like results. The context of Galatians 6 emphasizes spiritual sowing. Sowing to the flesh or our sinful desires leads to corruption, while sowing to the Spirit – God’s purpose and will for our lives, leads to eternal life noted in Galatians 6:8-9. “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” (NLT)

God’s Justice Cannot Be Mocked. It is simply amazing that many people live as if God does not see or care about their actions, which is a form of self-deception. God’s justice ensures that sin will ultimately be dealt with, and righteousness will be rewarded. The Word of God reminds us of this great truth in Job 4:8, “My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same.” (NLT) Proverbs 22:8 says, ”Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.” (NLT) Hosea 10:12-13 says, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you. But you have cultivated wickedness and harvested a thriving crop of sins. You have eaten the fruit of lies— trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe.” (NLT)

God’s Patience Is Not Weakness. To mock God is to continue to sin while being arrogant that there will be no consequences is a grave error. God’s patience in delaying judgment should not be mistaken for indifference. His patience is meant to lead people to repentance. He is patient because of His Great love. We are reminded of this in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (NASB)

HEART REFLECTIONS:

1. What seeds are you sowing today in your thoughts, actions, and relationships?

2. Have you ever felt tempted to believe that your actions, or the actions of others, have no consequences? How does Galatians 6:7 correct that mindset?

3. Are there areas in your life where you need to begin sowing to the Spirit instead of the flesh?

A MOCKED HEART: Whether a heart mocks God, is mocked by the world, or feels deceived and wounded, God’s grace is the remedy! He offers new life, healing, and redemption to all who come to Him in humility. A mocked heart can also symbolize someone who has experienced ridicule, betrayal, or deep emotional wounds, leaving them broken and vulnerable. Psalm 34:18 provides hope for such hearts: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Whether a heart mocks God, is mocked by the world, or feels deceived and wounded, the remedy is always the same: returning to God in humility and repentance. God’s grace is the remedy! God’s grace transforms even the most hardened or wounded heart. Ezekiel 36:26 offers a promise of hope: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

God offers new life, healing, and redemption to all who come to Him in humility.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that reminds us of how just and merciful You are. Forgive us when we mock Your truth or allow sin to harden our hearts. Help us to live with the understanding that our actions truly matter and that we can mock You by disregarding Your truth. Where we have sown poorly, forgive us and guide us in planting seeds of righteousness, compassion, kindness, love, and obedience. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace and peace, bringing glory to Your name, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.