Sowing and Reaping

I have a love/hate relationship with the computer.

The computer is not inherently bad. It is a wonderful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family! BUT, it very often distracts from relationships at home—spouse and children—the most important ones. After the kids go to bed, I confess we often fall into the bad habit of heading for the computer instead of spending time together... which really isn't much different than the channel surfing we tend to look down upon. Doesn't do much for relationship-building, I can tell you that!

This is where I see the "sowing and reaping" principle, as written in Galatians 6:7—for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (NASB). Therefore, as it pertains to a person's marriage or children, my conclusion is this: if you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly. If you sow generously, you will reap generously.

My exhortation (to myself and anyone else who's listening): INVEST! Invest in your marriage relationship! Spend time together! Think good thoughts of one another! Do kind things for each other! And invest your life into your children... your interest, your time, your heart! I can't think of anything more worthy of investing ourselves in than relationships—the soul is the only thing that lasts for all eternity!

How will this affect their souls?

I am currently reading a sermon by J.C. Ryle called The Duties of Parents. It is soooo good! This morning I read this convicting, life-directing thought on child training:

Nothing should concern you as greatly as [your children's] eternal destiny. ... In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "How will this affect their souls?"

I immediately thought about what I let my kids watch on TV. It's just PBS — perfectly harmless, right? Well... I'm not so sure. For one thing, there is a fair amount of whining and complaining they've already picked up from those programs (much to my chagrin). But also, by letting them watch too much, am I nurturing in them a lust for entertainment? It's a strong possibility.

In addition to entertainment, I also wanted to bring into consideration their schooling, friends, outside activities, and media exposure. How will these things affect their souls?

What other things come to mind when you consider the question, "How will this affect their souls?" I would love to hear what things God puts on your heart!