“Reuben…was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.”1 Chronicles 5:1-2

In ancient societies, the firstborn son had enormous privileges. The process even has been given a name: “primogeniture.” This simply meant that the oldest son inherited the primary percentage of the inheritance, as well as the power, authority, and position. We see this throughout the Bible, for example, as the oldest son of kings usually became the next king. As the firstborn son of Israel, Reuben stood to inherit the family birthright. But he slept with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22) and “defiled his father’s couch.” Although that action may have brought momentary pleasure, Reuben discovered that, as a consequence, he forfeited his birthright. What a price! That privilege (along with all that it conveyed) was given to Joseph instead. Like Reuben, all of us need to remember that we Reap what we Sow (Galatians 6:7). This applies in every area of our lives: our relationships and work, our spiritual lives and finances. God is merciful and forgiving, but we still Reap the consequences of our actions. This is something Reuben learned the hard way. Brothers & Sisters,Today, think about his example in your life. Remember that you, too, will Reap what you Sow. Like Reuben, you will Reap negative consequences when you Sow negative Seeds. But you also can expect positive results when you Sow positive Seeds. You are Sowing positive Seeds when you are kind and loving…when you obey God’s Word and follow the leading of His Spirit…when you invest the Seeds He has given you into His Kingdom…and when you are faithful with the resources you have been given.