It Made Sense! (Galatians 6:7)

It is almost with embarrassment that I admit to my residents and professional colleagues that I hated my first year of medical school. Most medical students are eager to learn gross anatomy, explore the mysteries of the cell as viewed through a microscope, and learn the basic principles of the physical examination. While I did find the material challenging, none of these classes captured my interest, except one. Neuroanatomy.

On the first day, I was greeted by a  large three dimensional display of the major central nervous system tracts, positioned at the front of the room. The tracts were labeled with different colors and the maze began in the brain. With each lecture, we learned the function of each tract. It was a great deal of memorization but unlike the other classes, it captured my interest.

If an injury or disease affected the nerve at a certain level, everything after that level would be affected. The algorithm grew more complex as one ascended the spinal cord to the brain but it was still traceable. Some tracts crossed in the brain stem and thus an injury in the right side of the brain led to loss of function on the left side of the body. There were numerous variables that affected the severity of the injury and it was easy to be distracted by these, but if I simply kept the nerve tract model in my mind, I could reduce everything to this simple equation.

It made sense!

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

My relationship with God is no different. I can erroneously view the Christian life as a series of do’s and dont’s, about memorizing rules and acting in a certain way.  I can live my life cluttering my thoughts with small details instead of focusing upon the overriding principle that God outlines for me. What I sow, I will reap.

In the very next verse, this truth is made even more obvious.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:8 (NKJV)

I may convince myself that some sins are small and insignificant, that the consequences are meaningless. But God sternly corrects my twisted and warped thinking. If I have given my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I must remain vigilant to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction in my life. He dwells within me and I should yield my life to His control.

Like the assuredness of identifying the level of the damaged nerve tracts, when I commit a sin, there will be consequences. My sins will always result in hurt and pain.

It makes sense!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.