Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
-- Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV)
John Chrysostom, Homily on Galatians:
He says "let us not grow weary," for there is a weariness that is not of the body but of the mind, when a man thinks that he labors in vain and receives no fruit of his toil. Against this he sets the hope of the harvest. The sower does not see the fruit the day he casts the seed -- yet he does not cease from sowing. So too with the man who does good: the reward is hidden for a season, but it is certain.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship:
The cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.
Augustine, Sermon 46:
You plant a seed and expect a harvest. You endure winter, you labor through spring, you wait through summer -- and you do not curse the field because the fruit has not yet appeared. Yet in the matters of your soul, where the harvest is eternal, you lose patience in a single day. Consider how much more stubborn the soil of your heart is than the soil of your garden, and how much greater the Gardener who tends it.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Book I, Chapter 25:
Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without the fear of God? Surely a humble husbandman who serves God is better than a proud philosopher who neglects his own soul and studies the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own sight and takes no delight in the praises of men. If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me in the sight of God, who will judge me according to my deeds?
Where are you sowing to your own flesh and calling it ambition?
Epictetus, Discourses, I.1:
Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing. Not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing. Things within our power are by nature free, unhindered, unimpeded; things not within our power are weak, enslaved, hindered, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are enslaved by nature are free, and that what belongs to others is your own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will blame both gods and men. But if you suppose that only what is yours is yours, and that what belongs to another is indeed another's -- no one will ever compel or hinder you, you will blame no one, you will accuse no one, you will do nothing against your will, no one will harm you, you will have no enemy, for you will suffer no harm.
St. Clair, MI: -- ☀️ Sunny, 74°F (feels like 78°F). Humidity 89%. Wind NE 7 mph. Sunrise 5:54 AM. Sunset 9:13 PM. Full moon tonight.