Which are you: a “gad-about” or a “rejoicing reaper”? God had something to say about gad-abouts in Jeremiah 2:36. “Why do you gad about so much, changing your ways? You will be disappointed….” Apparently, wandering aimlessly gets nothing worthwhile done.
God reveals a contrast for those who “come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,” in Psalm 126:6. That will not be a time of disappointment.
Every morning, after spending time reading the Scriptures and talking to the Lord, I ask Him to direct my mind, hands, and feet so that I can take advantage of opportunities to share how good He is. That was so much out of my comfort zone for years, but slowly, I am learning to do that more and more as I spend more time with Him.
Most friends I know say that with age, they have begun to forget more, so now they have to make lists. I have made lists for years, since my college days, because I did not want to forget anything I was supposed to do each day. I wanted to be a good student, a good wife and mother, and a good teacher. I had to have help, and I still do! My list for the day is the next thing I inspect after quiet time is over each morning. I still want to spend my time wisely as I am on the go. I do not want to just “gad about” and get nothing accomplished.
But I want to go in the right direction. Jonah went sailing, but he chose to defy the orders from God. His disobedience had consequences, and he learned to obey, although he pouted about it.
Going about carrying tales is also disobedience. Paul (1 Tim. 5:13) and James (4:11) both tell us to refrain from that. Jesus said destroying a person’s good name is like killing him (Mt. 5:22). Not treating others right is breaking the golden rule. Our cell phones are great, unless we use them improperly to post things that cause shock or grief to someone. We are told in Prov. 20:19 not to keep company with those who carry tales.
Improper behavior, like overindulging in anything, is shameful for anyone who claims to be a Jesus-follower. Hypocritical examples only hurt the work of God’s kingdom here on Earth.
The beginning of the verse in Psalm 126:6 says “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow….” is rather sad. It reminds us of all the times that we have shared the good news, prayed for particular people, cried over them, and yet their hearts seem to remain unchanged toward the Lord. We sow, but sometimes the soil is too hard to receive it. How disappointed we are when that happens.
Yet, sowing the precious seed is the best thing we can do each day. Jesus explained in Luke 8:11 that the seed is the Word of God, and the human heart has valuable soil, so we must keep at it. That is how people are born again (I Pet. 1:23) and enter God’s kingdom (John 3:3).
Besides, the rest of that verse in Psalm 126:6 is so full of joy! “…will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” When you are fortunate enough to see someone you have been talking to, praying for, and crying over, come to the Lord and surrender his or her life to Him, it is the most beautiful thing! The burden and tears were worth it! These are precious people who are now in the Lord’s family. King Jesus rules their hearts now, along with ours, and we want to nurture them and mature them so they can join us in sowing the seed! We want them to experience the joy of the harvest also!
If we choose to sow the seed as we go about our daily activities, we must remember that we need to keep up our communion with God so we can keep our focus on Him. The Holy Spirit will help us remember Scripture if we have studied it, and give us strength to proclaim it. Psalm 122:1 has always been a favorite verse of mine, for that reason. ” I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” If I want to follow Jesus, go about doing good as He did (Acts 10:38), stay healthy so I can worship, and keep sowing the seed, I must spend time with God, whether in the building dedicated for worshiping Him, or anywhere I happen to be when I want to praise Him, thank Him, or show Him reverence. Sometimes I do that while sitting on my patio, looking at beautiful flowers and feeling a cool breeze. I can appreciate His majesty anywhere!
So, if we are gadding about, we probably will not accomplish much for the Lord, but if we plan our day with flexibility, asking Him to direct us, then we can be rejoicing as we serve Him.
I pray that we will always want to follow and work instead of gad about and waste time. May God bless the work of His laborers!
Joyce Smith Broyles is a retired High School Librarian and resides in Jennings, LA.